Median Income
$61,944
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,300
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
50/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.0%
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Bern Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population132
Median Age48.7 yrs
Density471/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,944
Per Capita$37,860
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$702M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,300
Ownership85.9%
Zillow$249,879
Housing Units82
Rent Burden41.3%
Crime
F
Violent50/100K
Property599/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking15.6%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain34.7 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,269 ft (387 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.0%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+11.1%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute19 min
Broadband64.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Bern a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bern receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bern offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bern is $61,944, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bern is $120,300, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bern is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 599 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
Education
30.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bern experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches, including 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Bern has a population of 132 with a density of 471 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 48.7 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 9.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.7yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Bern is $61,944, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,860. The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 339 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 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,944 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,860 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,735 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 339 |
| County GDP | $702M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,643 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Bern is $120,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,879, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 82 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $3,643. 41.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $249,879 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.1% |
| Housing Units | 82 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,643 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Bern, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,182. The dentist ratio is 1:1,873. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bern vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,182 |
| Dentists | 1:1,873 |
| Mental Health | 1:280 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Bern has a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 599 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bern receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bern vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 49.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 598.5/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bern experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 302 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 34.7 inches. The area receives 16.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,269 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,269 ft (387 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 471/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9614°N, 95.9711°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Philip Billard Municipal (TOP)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.7"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| 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: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
50 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
51 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
604 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 296 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1978 |
EF3 |
80 km |
3 |
| Jun 11, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1966 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1965 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1965 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1964 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AXELTON-BURKLUND (8,831 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
72 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,186 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
61 km |
| 2016 |
BLUE RAPIDS |
1,744 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
63 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
98 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,408 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
75 km |
| 2023 |
SHANNON CREEK |
1,089 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Bern has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Bern. 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 | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bern
What is the population of Bern?
Bern has a population of 132 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 471 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Bern expensive to live in?
Bern 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 $61,944, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,300 (57% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bern safe?
Bern is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 599 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bern receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bern?
Bern has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches, with 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Bern?
The job market in Bern is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $972. There are 339 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bern?
The median home value in Bern is $120,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,879. The homeownership rate is 85.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,643.
How are the schools in Bern?
Schools in Bern score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.0% of adults in Bern hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bern?
The obesity rate in Bern is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,182.
What is transportation like in Bern?
The average commute in Bern is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bern?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bern is 90.2% White, 9.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
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