Median Income
$61,818
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,900
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.7%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$553
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Bayard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,509
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density2,156/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,818
Per Capita$27,751
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$2,384M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,900
Rent$553
Ownership86.7%
Zillow$154,974
Housing Units649
Rent Burden24.0%
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking16.5%
Depression18.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI16 (Good)
Rain15.7 in/yr
Elevation3,765 ft (1,148 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute27 min
Broadband82.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Bayard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bayard receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bayard stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bayard is $61,818, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bayard is $107,900, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $553 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Bayard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches, including 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 16.
Bayard has a population of 1,509 with a density of 2,156 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (76.9%), with 21.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.8% of residents, while 8.7% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,509
Total Population
2023 Census
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.8%
18% above US avg
Spanish
8.7%
35% below US avg
The median household income in Bayard is $61,818, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,751 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $994, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,217 business establishments, including 103 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,818 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,751 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $994 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,293 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,217 |
| County GDP | $2,384M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 103 |
| Healthcare | 118 |
| Retail | 146 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,423 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Bayard is $107,900, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,974, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $553 (52% 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. 86.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 649 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $5,423 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,900 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,974 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $553 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.3% |
| Housing Units | 649 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,423 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.03% |
In Bayard, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.8% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,430. The dentist ratio is 1:1,618. 80.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bayard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 18.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,430 |
| Dentists | 1:1,618 |
| Mental Health | 1:316 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,217/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 118 |
Bayard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 16 / among the cleanest air in the country. 89% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 3,765 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,765 ft (1,148 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,156/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7572°N, 103.3230°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scotts Bluff County County |
| Nearest Airport | Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field (BFF)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.7"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 16.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 88.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 27, 2021.
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| Jan 6, 2018 |
7 km SW of Guernsey, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Nov 2, 1992 |
5 km ESE of Lusk, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Mar 10, 2011 |
22 km N of Van Tassell, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
23 km WSW of Hay Springs, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
97 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
13 km WNW of Crawford, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
447 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1955 |
EF4 |
44 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1991 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1985 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1978 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1955 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2020 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2003 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1998 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1994 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1993 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIMMONS (20,950 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
SIMMONS |
20,950 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
CARTER CANYON |
15,828 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
TURNER TATANKA |
15,749 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
MORRILL CO |
14,497 |
48 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,279 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
CO LINE |
10,961 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
JEFFRIES |
8,853 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
SCHIFF |
6,714 |
29 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY CA |
6,367 |
26 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,239 |
43 km |
| 2019 |
RED KATE |
6,115 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
POST CA |
5,546 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
5,308 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,792 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
SUGARLOAF |
4,075 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,047 |
46 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKEY |
3,961 |
18 km |
| 2021 |
313 |
3,859 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,586 |
48 km |
| 2020 |
HUBBARDS GAP |
3,435 |
16 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Bayard has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 28°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bayard. 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 Bayard
What is the population of Bayard?
Bayard has a population of 1,509 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,156 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Bayard expensive to live in?
Bayard 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 $61,818, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,900 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $553 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bayard?
Bayard has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.7 inches, with 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 16.
How is the job market in Bayard?
The job market in Bayard is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $994. There are 1,217 business establishments in the area, including 103 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bayard?
The median home value in Bayard is $107,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,974. For renters, the median monthly rent is $553. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,423.
How are the schools in Bayard?
Schools in Bayard score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.7% of adults in Bayard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bayard?
The obesity rate in Bayard is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 18.8% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,430.
What is transportation like in Bayard?
The average commute in Bayard is 27 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bayard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bayard is 76.9% White, 21.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian. 92.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.7% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.