Nance County, Nebraska

County Distress Index: Healthy · 27.2 | 3,274 people · 65th most distressed in Nebraska
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Nance County, NE ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 27.2 — 2883rd nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Legal Distress, where bankruptcy filings are moderately elevated. Within Nebraska, it ranks 65th of 93 counties. Among its 5 neighboring counties, 3 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Nance County's primary driver is Legal Distress at 48.0 — above the national median.

Legal Distress Primary driver 48.0
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 48
Economic Vitality 44.3
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 60
Rent-to-Income Ratio 27
Business Formation Rate 31
House Price Change (YoY) 44
Structural Poverty 42.7
Unemployment Rate 10
Poverty Rate 32
Income vs. State Median 65
Child Poverty Rate 26
Disability Rate 52
Transfer Income Dependency 50
Housing Cost Burden 24.4
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 28
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 10
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 61
Homeownership Rate 25
Consumer Credit Distress 17.5
Debt in Collections 5
Medical Debt 22
Auto Loan Delinquency 5
Credit Card Delinquency 5
Uninsured Rate 35
Subprime Credit Population 41

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Nance County
Nance County, NE 27.2 Healthy —
Platte County, NE 32.7 Healthy +5.6
Howard County, NE 32.4 Healthy +5.2
Merrick County, NE 31.3 Healthy +4.1
Greeley County, NE 21.2 Healthy -6.0
Boone County, NE 15.5 Healthy -11.7

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Nance County
Camas County, ID 27.2 Healthy +0.0
Wheeler County, NE 27.3 Healthy +0.1
Lincoln County, MN 27.1 Healthy -0.1
Meade County, KS 27.3 Healthy +0.1
Fallon County, MT 27.4 Healthy +0.2

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Nance County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Nance County

Find an Attorney

Nebraska State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Nebraska State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 402-475-7091

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Nance County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid of Nebraska 1-877-250-2016

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Nance County, Nebraska?

    Nance County has a County Distress Index score of 27.2 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,883rd nationally out of 3,144 counties and 65th in Nebraska out of 93 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Nance County?

    The primary driver of distress in Nance County is Legal Distress, where the county scores 48.0 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Bankruptcy Filing Rate.

  • How does Nance County compare to neighboring counties?

    Nance County (27.2) can be compared to its 5 neighboring counties: Platte County, NE (32.7); Howard County, NE (32.4); Merrick County, NE (31.3).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Nance County's score of 27.2 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Nance County's CDI score?

    Nance County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Nance County?

    Nance County, Nebraska has a population of approximately 3,274 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a tiny county.