Buffalo County, Nebraska Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Buffalo County, Nebraska
Median Buffalo County effective property tax rate: 1.31%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Buffalo County home value: $215,958
Median annual Buffalo County tax bill: $2,882, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Buffalo County calculated?
Property taxes in Buffalo County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Why does the assessed value matter? Because taxes are based on that value, not the market value, so exemptions can reduce what homeowners owe. How does Buffalo County compare with Nebraska? The county’s effective property tax rate is 1.31%, which is lower than the state median of 1.39%, but the annual tax bill is still above the national median. What can homeowners do? Reviewing exemptions and appeal opportunities can help reduce the tax burden.
Whether you live in Buffalo County or another part of the county, understanding local property tax details can lead to meaningful savings.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Buffalo County, Nebraska Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.31%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,829
$2,625
How Does the Buffalo County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Buffalo County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Buffalo County's median effective tax rate of 1.31% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the assessor assigns for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Buffalo County's median tax rate is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%, and the county's median property tax bill of $2,882 is above the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Buffalo County.
Property Tax Rates Across Buffalo County, Nebraska
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Buffalo County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Buffalo County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Buffalo County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Nebraska or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Buffalo County's median effective rate stands at 1.31%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Buffalo County, the highest rate is found in Shelton at 1.80%, while Amherst has the lowest at 0.98%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Buffalo County Tax Rate
1.31%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Nebraska Tax Rate
1.39%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Buffalo County, Nebraska
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst | 0.94% | 0.96% | 0.98% | 1.23% | 1.25% |
| Elm Creek | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.58% | 1.58% | 1.59% |
| Gibbon | 1.16% | 1.20% | 1.59% | 1.70% | 1.71% |
| Hazard | 0.80% | 0.82% | 1.09% | 1.15% | 1.19% |
| Kearney | 1.20% | 1.30% | 1.32% | 1.33% | 1.34% |
| Miller | 0.94% | 0.99% | 1.15% | 1.49% | 1.50% |
| Odessa | 1.19% | 1.21% | 1.22% | 1.22% | 1.23% |
| Pleasanton | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.40% | 1.40% |
| Ravenna | 0.81% | 0.84% | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.21% |
| Riverdale | 0.96% | 0.98% | 1.06% | 1.23% | 1.29% |
| Shelton | 1.12% | 1.18% | 1.80% | 1.81% | 1.81% |
| Kenesaw | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mason City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sumner | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buffalo County, Nebraska
When examining property taxes in Buffalo County, understanding the distinction between “market value” and “assessed value” is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Buffalo County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Buffalo County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of June.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. For context, Buffalo County’s median tax bill is $2,882, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range from $1,834 at the 25th percentile to $4,297 at the 75th percentile, and $5,766 at the 90th percentile. Hazard has the highest median home price at $320,520.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buffalo County, Nebraska
Source: Ownwell
$101,215
$210,868
$320,520
Median Buffalo County Market Value
$215,958
Median Nebraska Market Value
$199,100
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buffalo County, Nebraska
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst | $66,060 | $153,445 | $252,450 | $448,050 | $765,195 |
| Elm Creek | $54,140 | $108,189 | $172,472 | $260,365 | $425,273 |
| Gibbon | $21,035 | $104,570 | $176,995 | $263,500 | $398,269 |
| Hazard | $132,910 | $183,739 | $320,520 | $549,571 | $802,373 |
| Kearney | $54,505 | $163,845 | $232,450 | $340,218 | $441,770 |
| Miller | $20,572 | $49,635 | $116,605 | $306,430 | $689,399 |
| Odessa | $26,242 | $58,200 | $101,215 | $138,715 | $189,369 |
| Pleasanton | $107,702 | $163,795 | $249,705 | $413,010 | $723,640 |
| Ravenna | $37,607 | $85,575 | $147,375 | $250,118 | $457,025 |
| Riverdale | $100,483 | $163,139 | $232,190 | $383,595 | $557,075 |
| Shelton | $46,393 | $95,556 | $157,275 | $242,321 | $422,905 |
| Kenesaw | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mason City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sumner | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Buffalo County, Nebraska
Property tax bills in Buffalo, Nebraska are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. When a property’s market value changes, the assessed value used for taxation can also change, which affects the final bill. Homeowners in Buffalo County may also see differences based on exemptions, local levies, and the mix of services funded by property taxes.
For a home with a median price of $215,958, the tax bill can vary widely. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,834, while the 75th percentile is $4,297 and the 90th percentile reaches $5,766. That range shows how much location, valuation, and local taxing decisions can influence what homeowners owe. Compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400, many homeowners in Buffalo County may pay more or less depending on their specific property and neighborhood.
Median Buffalo County Tax Bill
$2,882
Median Nebraska Tax Bill
$2,896
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Buffalo County, Nebraska
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst | $759 | $1,658 | $2,762 | $4,599 | $7,420 |
| Elm Creek | $723 | $1,564 | $2,573 | $3,750 | $5,711 |
| Gibbon | $261 | $1,470 | $2,692 | $3,707 | $5,217 |
| Hazard | $1,486 | $2,112 | $3,753 | $5,756 | $7,161 |
| Kearney | $592 | $2,111 | $3,073 | $4,486 | $5,791 |
| Miller | $242 | $630 | $1,504 | $3,279 | $7,074 |
| Odessa | $179 | $493 | $999 | $1,589 | $2,179 |
| Pleasanton | $1,174 | $2,105 | $3,149 | $4,863 | $8,608 |
| Ravenna | $364 | $860 | $1,596 | $2,610 | $4,164 |
| Riverdale | $980 | $1,734 | $2,696 | $4,334 | $5,562 |
| Shelton | $725 | $1,534 | $2,583 | $3,818 | $5,521 |
| Kenesaw | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mason City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sumner | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | June 30 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |