Seward County, Nebraska

County Distress Index: Healthy · 26.2 | 17,671 people · 69th most distressed in Nebraska
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Seward County, NE ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 26.2 — 2924th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing costs consume a moderate share of household income. Within Nebraska, it ranks 69th of 93 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 4 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Seward County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 46.8 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 46.8
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 39
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 44
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 61
Homeownership Rate 61
Economic Vitality 33.9
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 25
Rent-to-Income Ratio 5
Business Formation Rate 77
House Price Change (YoY) 83
Consumer Credit Distress 22.1
Debt in Collections 5
Medical Debt 20
Auto Loan Delinquency 54
Credit Card Delinquency 30
Uninsured Rate 18
Subprime Credit Population 10
Legal Distress 10.1
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 10
Structural Poverty 10.0
Unemployment Rate 6
Poverty Rate 5
Income vs. State Median 13
Child Poverty Rate 5
Disability Rate 11
Transfer Income Dependency 15

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Seward County
Seward County, NE 26.2 Healthy —
Lancaster County, NE 39.7 Normal +13.5
Saline County, NE 34.9 Healthy +8.7
York County, NE 30.9 Healthy +4.7
Butler County, NE 26.8 Healthy +0.7
Fillmore County, NE 25.2 Healthy -0.9
Polk County, NE 19.5 Healthy -6.7

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Seward County
Jefferson County, ID 26.1 Healthy -0.1
Shelby County, IL 26.2 Healthy +0.1
Wabasha County, MN 26.1 Healthy -0.1
Otoe County, NE 26.2 Healthy +0.1
Jones County, IA 26.1 Healthy -0.1

Download Data

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

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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

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Legal aid organizations serving Seward 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 Seward County, Nebraska?

    Seward County has a County Distress Index score of 26.2 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,924th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 69th in Nebraska out of 93 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Seward County?

    The primary driver of distress in Seward County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 46.8 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Seward County compare to neighboring counties?

    Seward County (26.2) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Lancaster County, NE (39.7); Saline County, NE (34.9); York County, NE (30.9).

  • 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). Seward County's score of 26.2 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

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

    Seward 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 Seward County?

    Seward County, Nebraska has a population of approximately 17,671 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.