Richardson County Public RecordsNebraska

Richardson County, Nebraska, has 6 public schools, including 2 high schools. Approximately 87% of adults have a high school diploma, while about 16% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average standardized test scores are around the state median, with a school safety rating of 8/10. The county offers several adult education opportunities through Southeast Community College outreach. Educational programs include STEM, arts, and vocational training, supporting student achievement and career readiness.

As of 2022, Richardson County, NE has an employment rate of approximately 57%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (19%), Manufacturing (14%), and Retail Trade (13%). Most common occupations include Production, Office & Administrative Support, and Sales. Around 77% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 19 minutes; less than 10% work outside the county, primarily traveling to nearby counties like Nemaha or counties in Missouri and Kansas. Remote work accounts for about 6% of employment in the county.

Richardson County, NE, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with a median home value near $102,000 (2022). Rental occupancy is approximately 26%, and median gross rent is around $648 per month. Most housing consists of single-family homes, with neighborhoods centered in communities like Falls City. Property values have seen modest growth, roughly 3% annually. Property tax rates average 1.44%, translating to about $1,469 yearly on a median-priced home. The area offers affordable housing with a mix of older and newer homes, catering primarily to families and retirees.

As of the 2020 Census, Richardson County, NE, had a population of approximately 7,871. The median age was 45.4 years, reflecting an older population, with 22% under 18 and 24% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution was nearly even, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female. The racial makeup was 93.6% White, 1.8% Native American, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Asian, and 4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Richardson County, NE generally reports low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, there were approximately 120 reported crimes, with violent crime at 1.1 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 6.5 per 1,000 residents (both below Nebraska state averages). The county sheriff’s office actively monitors and addresses incidents, maintaining community safety through regular patrols and public reporting. Overall, Richardson County is considered a safe area, with residents experiencing a lower-than-average risk of crime.

Richardson County, NE, had 5,950 registered voters as of 2024, predominantly Republican (about 65%), with Democrats and nonpartisans making up the remainder. The county administers elections for local, state, and federal offices, including primaries, generals, and special issues. In the 2020 presidential election, 73% voted Republican, 25% Democratic. Polling locations include Humboldt Auditorium and Courthouse Community Room. Oversight falls to the County Clerk’s office. Recent ballot issues focused on school bonds and agriculture policy. The county sees consistently high turnout, often over 60%.