Seward County, NE Property Tax: $2,791/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Seward County is 1.20% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $232,400, that works out to about $2,789 per year, or $232 per month. Seward County is located in eastern Nebraska, and is home to approximately 17,636 residents.
About Seward County
Seward County covers approximately 571.4 square miles in Nebraska. The county is home to about 17,636 residents living in roughly 7,138 housing units, of which 67.1% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $81,122, and the median home was built in 1970.
Seward County borders Butler County, Fillmore County, Lancaster County, Polk County, Saline 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 Seward County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Seward County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seward County, NE | 1.20% | $232,400 | $2,789 |
| Nebraska state average | 1.28% | — | $2,975* |
| Butler County | 1.17% | $165,700 | $1,941 |
| Fillmore County | 1.13% | $131,200 | $1,481 |
| Lancaster County | 1.57% | $258,900 | $4,055 |
| Polk County | 0.98% | $177,800 | $1,748 |
| Saline County | 1.35% | $180,700 | $2,445 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Seward County's median home value of $232,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Seward County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Nebraska?
At 1.20%, Seward County is lower than the Nebraska state average of 1.28%. On a home at the county median of $232,400, that means about $2,789 per year — versus $2,975 at the state average rate, a difference of $186 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Seward County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Seward County?
For a home at the county median value of $232,400, the annual property tax in Seward County is approximately $2,789 — or about $232 per month. For a home worth $348,600, expect around $4,183 per year. For a $464,800 home, approximately $5,578 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Seward County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Seward County are handled by the Seward 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 Seward 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 1.20% shown here. Contact the Seward 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