Median Income
$42,500
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,800
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
382/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.9%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$580
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.6%
18% higher than US avg
How Benkelman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population946
Median Age46.0 yrs
Density788/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,500
Per Capita$31,048
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty14.6%
County GDP$241M
Commute8 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,800
Rent$580
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$176,115
Housing Units518
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent382/100K
Property382/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking15.5%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain19.7 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation3,043 ft (928 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.9%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+13.2%
School Score4.83
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute8 min
Broadband82.1%
Libraries1
Is Benkelman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benkelman receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Benkelman offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benkelman is $42,500, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 14.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benkelman is $84,800, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $580 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 382 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
22.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Benkelman experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.7 inches, including 27.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Benkelman has a population of 946 with a density of 788 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 46.0 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.0yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Benkelman vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Benkelman vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Benkelman is $42,500, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,048 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 84 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Benkelman vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,500 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,048 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,844 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.6% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 84 |
| County GDP | $241M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Benkelman is $84,800, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,115, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $580 (50% 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. 75.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 518 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. 28.4% 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 | $84,800 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,115 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $580 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.0% |
| Housing Units | 518 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
In Benkelman, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 19.0% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:817. The dentist ratio is 1:795. 35.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benkelman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:817 |
| Dentists | 1:795 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Benkelman has a violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 382 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Benkelman receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benkelman vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 381.5/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 381.5/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benkelman experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 316 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 19.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.6 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 3,043 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,043 ft (928 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 788/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0468°N, 101.5402°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.7"
48% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 10, 2010.
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
92 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
542 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 36 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1996 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1995 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (11,012 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
33 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
34 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
ZWEYGARDT |
2,118 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD R |
2,080 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
36 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
44 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Benkelman has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Benkelman. 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 Benkelman
What is the population of Benkelman?
Benkelman has a population of 946 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 788 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Benkelman expensive to live in?
Benkelman 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 $42,500, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,800 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $580 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benkelman safe?
The violent crime rate in Benkelman is 382 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 382 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Benkelman receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Benkelman?
Benkelman has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.7 inches, with 27.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Benkelman?
The job market in Benkelman is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 84 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 10.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benkelman?
The median home value in Benkelman is $84,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,115. For renters, the median monthly rent is $580. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.0%.
How are the schools in Benkelman?
Schools in Benkelman have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 22.9% of adults in Benkelman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 13.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benkelman?
The obesity rate in Benkelman is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 35.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:817.
What is transportation like in Benkelman?
The average commute in Benkelman is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benkelman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benkelman is 97.9% White. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
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