Custer County Public RecordsNebraska

Custer County, NE, features 7 public schools, including Broken Bow High School, with a graduation rate of 94%. About 22.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores are slightly above the Nebraska state average. School safety is prioritized, with minimal incidents reported annually. Districts offer robust vocational and college prep programs, as well as adult education and GED classes. Extracurricular activities and STEM opportunities enhance student growth, reflecting the county’s commitment to comprehensive education.

As of 2022, Custer County, NE, had an employment rate of approximately 59.5%. The leading industries were Health Care & Social Assistance (20.7%), Retail Trade (10.1%), and Agriculture (9.7%). The primary occupation types included Management (23.3%) and Office & Administrative Support (12.5%). About 84.4% of workers commuted alone by car, with an average commute time of 14.7 minutes. Most residents worked within the county, while a smaller share commuted to Buffalo or Dawson Counties for employment.

Custer County, NE, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $111,000 (2022). Median gross rent is approximately $680 per month. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Notable towns include Broken Bow and Arnold, each offering quiet neighborhoods and local amenities. The property value market remains stable, with moderate growth in recent years. Property tax rates average 1.58% of home value, higher than the U.S. average. The county attracts residents seeking affordable living, spacious lots, and a rural lifestyle.

As of the 2020 Census, Custer County, Nebraska had a population of 10,545. The median age was approximately 44 years. About 51% of residents were male and 49% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (95.2%), with small proportions of Hispanic or Latino (3.2%), Native American (0.4%), and other races. Children under 18 made up 22% of the population, while those 65 and older represented about 23%.

Custer County, NE, has approximately 7,000 registered voters as of 2024, with 64% Republican, 20% Democrat, and 16% Nonpartisan or other affiliations. Elections include federal, state, county, school board, and local issues, administered by the Custer County Clerk’s Office. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans received 82% of the vote. There are 20 polling locations throughout the county. Key issues include agriculture, property taxes, and education funding. The county uses paper ballots with tabulation scanners, and early voting is available. Voting details and results are posted on the county’s official website.

Custer County, NE, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 75 total crimes, including 8 violent crimes and 67 property crimes, according to Nebraska State Patrol data. The crime rate is about 8.6 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 22.0. Local law enforcement emphasizes proactive community policing and encourages residents to report suspicious activities, contributing to enhanced safety. Regular reporting and transparency help sustain trust and keep Custer County one of the safer areas in Nebraska.