Phelps County, NE Property Tax: $2,386/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Phelps County is 1.38% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $173,300, that works out to about $2,392 per year, or $199 per month. Phelps County is located in southern Nebraska, and is home to approximately 8,983 residents.
About Phelps County
Phelps County covers approximately 539.8 square miles in Nebraska. The county is home to about 8,983 residents living in roughly 4,154 housing units, of which 64.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $65,988, and the median home was built in 1966.
Phelps County borders Buffalo County, Dawson County, Franklin County, Furnas County, Gosper 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 Phelps County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Phelps County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phelps County, NE | 1.38% | $173,300 | $2,392 |
| Nebraska state average | 1.28% | — | $2,218* |
| Buffalo County | 1.45% | $236,800 | $3,435 |
| Dawson County | 1.26% | $157,800 | $1,989 |
| Franklin County | 1.13% | $99,100 | $1,123 |
| Furnas County | 1.45% | $91,800 | $1,330 |
| Gosper County | 1.19% | $202,700 | $2,407 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Phelps County's median home value of $173,300. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Phelps County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Nebraska?
At 1.38%, Phelps County is higher than the Nebraska state average of 1.28%. On a home at the county median of $173,300, that means about $2,392 per year — versus $2,218 at the state average rate, a difference of $174 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Phelps County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Phelps County?
For a home at the county median value of $173,300, the annual property tax in Phelps County is approximately $2,392 — or about $199 per month. For a home worth $259,950, expect around $3,587 per year. For a $346,600 home, approximately $4,783 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Phelps County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Phelps County are handled by the Phelps 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 Phelps 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 1.38% shown here. Contact the Phelps 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