Median Income
$64,196
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$192,400
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.9%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,108
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
12% lower than US avg
How Axtell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population744
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density1,617/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,196
Per Capita$34,215
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty10.9%
County GDP$1,031M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$192,400
Rent$1,108
Ownership89.5%
Zillow$284,648
Housing Units329
Rent Burden25.0%
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured4.2%
Smoking12.5%
Depression18.1%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Elevation2,225 ft (678 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.9%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute28 min
Broadband92.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Axtell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Axtell receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Axtell stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Axtell is $64,196, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Axtell is $192,400, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,108 per month. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Axtell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches, including 24.8 inches of snow.
Axtell has a population of 744 with a density of 1,617 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 1.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
744
Total Population
2023 Census
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Axtell is $64,196, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,215 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,110, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 421 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,196 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,215 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,110 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,764 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 421 |
| County GDP | $1,031M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,685 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Axtell is $192,400, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,648, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,108 (5% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 329 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,685 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $192,400 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $284,648 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,108 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.5% |
| Housing Units | 329 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,685 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.44% |
In Axtell, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 18.1% report depression. 14.2% experience frequent mental distress. 4.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:993. The dentist ratio is 1:1,498. 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Axtell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 18.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 29.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 4.2% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:993 |
| Dentists | 1:1,498 |
| Mental Health | 1:604 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Axtell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,225 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,225 ft (678 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,617/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4798°N, 99.1292°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Phelps County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.52"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
135 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
143 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
707 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 391 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
65 km |
4 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
95 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
45 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
95 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Axtell has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Axtell. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Axtell
What is the population of Axtell?
Axtell has a population of 744 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,617 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Axtell expensive to live in?
Axtell is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $64,196, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $192,400 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,108 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Axtell?
Axtell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches, with 24.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Axtell?
The job market in Axtell is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,110. There are 421 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Axtell?
The median home value in Axtell is $192,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,648. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,108. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,685.
How are the schools in Axtell?
Schools in Axtell score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.9% of adults in Axtell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Axtell?
The obesity rate in Axtell is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 18.1% of residents report depression. 4.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:993.
What is transportation like in Axtell?
The average commute in Axtell is 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Axtell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Axtell is 91.3% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.