County Crime & Safety

Rock County, NE, is known for its low crime rate compared to national averages. According to the most recent FBI data, the county reported just 2 property crimes and 0 violent crimes in 2022, giving it a property crime rate of approximately 92.6 per 100,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies maintain regular reporting, ensuring public safety. The extremely low incident numbers highlight Rock County’s reputation as a safe and secure rural area for residents and visitors.

Elections

Rock County, Nebraska, has about 1,100 residents and 900 registered voters as of 2024, predominantly Republican (about 75%), with Democrats and nonpartisans making up the rest. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with turnout often exceeding 65%. The county typically uses three polling locations, overseen by the Rock County Clerk. Issues of concern include agricultural policy and rural healthcare. In the 2020 presidential election, over 80% of votes went to the Republican candidate. Election administration adheres to Nebraska state guidelines, ensuring secure and efficient processes for all recognized parties.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Rock County, Nebraska, had a population of 1,373. The median age was 48.9 years, with 23% under 18 and 25% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was approximately 50.5% male and 49.5% female. Racially, the population was 97.6% White, 0.7% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Education, Employment and Housing

Rock County, NE, has a limited educational infrastructure, with one public high school—Rock County High School—serving the area’s students. High school graduation rates are above 90%, but only about 13% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Educational programs include standard K-12 curriculum and some vocational offerings. School safety is rated positively, with low incident reports. Adult education opportunities are limited locally, though distance and online programs are accessible. The overall school rating averages a 6/10, reflecting solid community support despite resource constraints.

As of 2022, Rock County, NE, had an employment rate of approximately 56%. The leading industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (28%), healthcare and social assistance (13%), and educational services (11%). Major occupation types include management, business, science, and arts (32%), and natural resources, construction, and maintenance (25%). Around 83% of residents drive alone to work, with a mean commute time of 14 minutes. Most employment is local, but some commute to nearby counties such as Holt and Brown.

Rock County, NE, features a high homeownership rate of around 80%, with the median home value at approximately $78,000 as of 2022. Rental opportunities are limited, with a median gross rent near $600 per month. The housing stock mainly consists of single-family homes, and mobile homes are also present. Neighborhoods are primarily rural and quiet, reflecting the county’s small population of under 1,400. The area has seen stable property values over recent years. Property taxes average about 1.6% of assessed value, which translates to roughly $1,250 annually for a median-priced home.