Cherry County
NE · Pop. 5,468 · Rural County
Cherry County sits in Nebraska across 5,960 square miles, home to 5,468 people at 0.9 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, corn, haylage. A median home price of $136,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.01% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 155-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.2°F and average winter lows of 17.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 23.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Cherry County is 33.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 80% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $136,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, corn, haylage means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 0.9 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.1% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 155-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The nearest hospital, Cherry County, is 33.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Cherry County, NE is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 52/100
- Median home price
- $136k
- Property tax
- 1.01%
- Growing season
- 155 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 23.1"
- Broadband
- 80%
- Nearest hospital
- Cherry County, 33.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cherry County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cherry County?
- Cherry County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 155-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.2°F, and average winter lows of 17.1°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $136,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.01%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 80% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Cherry County is 33.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Nebraska Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Nebraska
All Nebraska countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Cherry County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.