Median Income
$63,750
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$94,900
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
66/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$644
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Big Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population479
Median Age52.2 yrs
Density1,089/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans14.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,750
Per Capita$30,060
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$88M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$94,900
Rent$644
Ownership86.3%
Zillow$183,751
Housing Units261
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
F
Violent66/100K
Property2,579/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking15.4%
Depression19.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation3,370 ft (1,027 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Big Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Big Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Springs is $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 9.0% 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 Big Springs is $94,900, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Big Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,579 per 100,000, 32% above the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches, including 27.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Big Springs has a population of 479 with a density of 1,089 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 52.2 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (84.8%), with 6.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 14.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.2yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Big Springs is $63,750, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,060 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $761, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 78 business establishments, including 7 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). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,750 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,060 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $761 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,699 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 78 |
| County GDP | $88M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Big Springs is $94,900, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,751, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $644 (45% 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. 86.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 261 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $94,900 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,751 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $644 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.7% |
| Housing Units | 261 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
In Big Springs, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 19.3% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:951. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 19.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:951 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,402/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.1% |
Big Springs has a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,579 per 100,000, 32% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 65.6/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,579.2/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°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 17.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.7 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 3,370 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,370 ft (1,027 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,089/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0609°N, 102.0745°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Deuel County County |
| Nearest Airport | North Platte Regional/Lee Bird Field (LBF)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Oct 18, 2012.
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
128 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
21 km WNW of Mullen, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
467 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 27 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| May 23, 2024 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2003 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1988 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1984 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
64 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
27,237 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
17,990 |
69 km |
| 2012 |
TURNER TATANKA |
15,749 |
67 km |
| 1989 |
MORRILL CO |
14,497 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
KEITH COUNTY COMPLEX |
13,526 |
36 km |
| 2012 |
JEFFRIES |
8,853 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
DRYWELLS |
6,492 |
53 km |
| 2019 |
RED KATE |
6,115 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
SUGARLOAF |
4,075 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,439 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,192 |
51 km |
| 1986 |
W BLUE CREEK |
3,167 |
70 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,861 |
78 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,782 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
STABLE |
1,706 |
56 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,544 |
41 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,318 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Big Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Big Springs. 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 Big Springs
What is the population of Big Springs?
Big Springs has a population of 479 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,089 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Big Springs expensive to live in?
Big Springs 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 $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $94,900 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Springs safe?
Big Springs is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,579 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Springs?
Big Springs has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches, with 27.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Big Springs?
The job market in Big Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $761. There are 78 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Springs?
The median home value in Big Springs is $94,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,751. For renters, the median monthly rent is $644. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.3%.
How are the schools in Big Springs?
Schools in Big Springs score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Big Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Springs?
The obesity rate in Big Springs is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 19.3% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Big Springs?
The average commute in Big Springs is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Springs is 84.8% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 14.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
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