Knox County, Nebraska
8 ZIP codes · Avg score 62/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Knox County, the 8 tracked ZIP codes show adequate but uneven water quality.
How Knox County Compares
How Knox County Compares
Knox County scores 3 points below the Nebraska state average (65/100) and 6 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Knox County, Nebraska
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 14.9 (asthma 9.5%, diabetes 14.1%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,106, driven primarily by energy_code_gap
Infrastructure: 0.449% avg pipe failure probability, 88% of ZIPs at high risk
79.8% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2023–2025)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across Knox County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2023 with 2 violations. Past 5 years: 5 total (5 health-based).
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,106
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
4,765 housing units in Knox County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Knox County
Water safety remediation is a moderate expense relative to home values. Most homeowners can address issues through staged improvements over time.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Knox County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Knox County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cedar-knox Rural Water Project | 2,500 | 4 |
| 2 | City of Crofton, | 754 | 4 |
| 3 | West Knox Rwd | 565 | 3 |
| 4 | Verdigre, Village of | 552 | 2 |
| 5 | Niobrara, Village of | 365 | 1 |
11 total water systems serve Knox County.
All ZIP Codes in Knox County
8 ZIP codes tracked in Knox County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 68718 | Bloomfield | 70 | B | 0 | $114K |
| 2 | 68729 | Creighton | 70 | B | 0 | $131K |
| 3 | 68724 | Center | 66 | C | 0 | $109K |
| 4 | 68783 | Verdigre | 66 | C | 2 (1 health) | $106K |
| 5 | 68786 | Wausa | 66 | C | 0 | $105K |
| 6 | 68789 | Winnetoon | 61 | C | 1 (1 health) | — |
| 7 | 68730 | Crofton | 58 | C | 4 (3 health) | $183K |
| 8 | 68760 | Niobrara | 38 | F | 1 | $90K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Knox County
Four sources — EPA, NSF, FEMA, CDC — drive the match.
- Best Water Filters for Lead — Lead above EPA action level in 1 ZIP code
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 79.8% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Knox County, Nebraska
Overview
Knox County in Nebraska covers 8 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (62/100).
4 of 8 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 5 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Nebraska water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.