Holt County Public RecordsNebraska

Holt County, NE features several public school districts, including O’Neill Public Schools and West Holt Public Schools, serving about 1,000 K-12 students. High school graduation rates exceed 92%, while only 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county offers 7 public schools, averaging a GreatSchools rating of 6/10. Schools prioritize safety, evidenced by low incident rates and community engagement. Adult education and vocational programs are available through Northeast Community College’s satellite courses, supporting lifelong learning for residents.

As of 2022, Holt County, NE had an employment rate of approximately 61%. Agriculture is the dominant industry, employing about 30% of workers, followed by education, health care, and social assistance (19%), and retail trade (10%). The leading occupation types are management (20%), office/administrative support (15%), and sales (11%). The average commute time is 13.4 minutes, with 83% of workers driving alone. Most residents work within Holt County, though about 14% commute to neighboring counties such as Antelope or Boyd for employment.

Holt County, NE, has a high homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with median home values around $104,000 and median gross rent near $639 (2022 data). The housing market is stable, with property values showing modest growth in recent years. Single-family homes dominate, though there are some multifamily units and rentals. Notable neighborhoods include O’Neill and Atkinson, offering quiet, community-focused living. Property tax rates average 1.47% of assessed value, higher than the national average. Overall, housing is affordable, making Holt County attractive for families and retirees seeking small-town charm.

Holt County, NE has approximately 6,400 registered voters, with Republicans comprising about 80%, Democrats 15%, and nonpartisan/other 5%. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections; in the 2022 general election, turnout reached 62%. Key issues include agriculture, property taxes, and rural healthcare. Results consistently favor Republican candidates by large margins. Polling locations include the O’Neill Community Center and various township halls. Elections are administered by the Holt County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Holt County, NE, maintains a low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 50 criminal incidents, with property crimes like theft and burglary accounting for over 70% of cases, while violent crimes remained minimal. The crime rate stands at about 7 crimes per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies encourage community involvement and timely reporting, contributing to the area’s reputation for safety. Annual reports show a steady or declining trend in most crime categories, reinforcing Holt County’s status as a secure rural community.

As of the 2020 Census, Holt County, NE had a population of 10,127. The median age was 42.2 years, with 23.8% under 18 and 22.7% aged 65 or older. The gender split was roughly equal: 50.2% male and 49.8% female. Racially, the population was predominantly White (96.5%), with small percentages identifying as Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Native American (0.5%), and other races (0.5%).