Lancaster County, NE Property Tax: $4,055/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Lancaster County is 1.57% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $258,900, that works out to about $4,065 per year, or $339 per month. Lancaster County is located in eastern Nebraska, and is home to approximately 323,673 residents.
About Lancaster County
Lancaster County covers approximately 837.6 square miles in Nebraska. The county is home to about 323,673 residents living in roughly 138,232 housing units, of which 56.3% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $72,625, and the median home was built in 1981.
Lancaster County borders Butler County, Cass County, Gage County, Johnson County, Otoe County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Nebraska
Property taxes in Nebraska are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Nebraska offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Lancaster County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Lancaster County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster County, NE | 1.57% | $258,900 | $4,065 |
| Nebraska state average | 1.28% | — | $3,314* |
| Butler County | 1.17% | $165,700 | $1,941 |
| Cass County | 1.43% | $247,200 | $3,545 |
| Gage County | 1.44% | $167,100 | $2,406 |
| Johnson County | 1.52% | $131,500 | $1,993 |
| Otoe County | 1.44% | $185,000 | $2,658 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Lancaster County's median home value of $258,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lancaster County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Nebraska?
At 1.57%, Lancaster County is higher than the Nebraska state average of 1.28%. On a home at the county median of $258,900, that means about $4,065 per year — versus $3,314 at the state average rate, a difference of $751 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Lancaster County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Lancaster County?
For a home at the county median value of $258,900, the annual property tax in Lancaster County is approximately $4,065 — or about $339 per month. For a home worth $388,350, expect around $6,097 per year. For a $517,800 home, approximately $8,129 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Lancaster County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Lancaster County are handled by the Lancaster County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Lancaster County?
Nebraska counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.57% shown here. Contact the Lancaster County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File