Median Income
$93,750
25% higher than US avg
Home Value
$188,100
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.7%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,108
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Battle Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,478
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density2,082/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$93,750
Per Capita$32,517
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$3,228M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$188,100
Rent$1,108
Ownership88.0%
Zillow$268,644
Housing Units495
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property2,456/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.3%
Depression17.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,592 ft (485 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.7%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.4%
EV Stations9
Libraries5
Is Battle Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Battle Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Battle Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Battle Creek is $93,750, 25% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Battle Creek is $188,100, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,108 per month. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Battle Creek is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
25.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Battle Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Battle Creek has a population of 1,478 with a density of 2,082 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Battle Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Battle Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Battle Creek is $93,750, which is 25% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,517 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,063, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,339 business establishments, including 94 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Battle Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $93,750 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,517 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,063 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,085 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,339 |
| County GDP | $3,228M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 94 |
| Healthcare | 171 |
| Retail | 187 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,495 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Battle Creek is $188,100, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,644, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 83.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. 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. 88.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 495 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,495 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $188,100 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $268,644 |
| Median List Price | $289,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $289,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $130 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 83.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,108 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.0% |
| Housing Units | 495 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,495 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.92% |
In Battle Creek, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 17.8% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,606. The dentist ratio is 1:737. 90.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Battle Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 17.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,606 |
| Dentists | 1:737 |
| Mental Health | 1:158 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,586/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 171 |
Battle Creek has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Battle Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Battle Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,456.5/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Battle Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,592 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,592 ft (485 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,082/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9981°N, 97.5995°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
137 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
57 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
41 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
17 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
549 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 286 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
32 km |
6 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1979 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1975 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Battle Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Battle Creek. 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 Battle Creek
What is the population of Battle Creek?
Battle Creek has a population of 1,478 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,082 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Battle Creek expensive to live in?
Battle Creek 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 $93,750, 25% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $188,100 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,108 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Battle Creek safe?
Battle Creek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Battle Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Battle Creek?
Battle Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Battle Creek?
The job market in Battle Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,063. There are 1,339 business establishments in the area, including 94 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Battle Creek?
The median home value in Battle Creek is $188,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,644. 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 88.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,495.
How are the schools in Battle Creek?
Schools in Battle Creek score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.7% of adults in Battle Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Battle Creek?
The obesity rate in Battle Creek is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 17.8% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 90.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,606.
What is transportation like in Battle Creek?
The average commute in Battle Creek is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Battle Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Battle Creek is 96.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
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