Median Income
$63,194
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$63,900
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Bladen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population174
Median Age50.3 yrs
Density483/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,194
Per Capita$35,253
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$364M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$63,900
Ownership97.6%
Zillow$135,671
Housing Units120
Rent Burden23.2%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property3,797/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking14.1%
Depression18.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.5 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,983 ft (604 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute30 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Bladen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bladen 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. Bladen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bladen is $63,194, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bladen is $63,900, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bladen is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,797 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Bladen experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.5 inches, including 18.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Bladen has a population of 174 with a density of 483 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 50.3 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.3yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Bladen is $63,194, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,253. The average weekly wage is $823, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 128 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 30 minutes. 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,194 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,253 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $823 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,309 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 128 |
| County GDP | $364M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Bladen is $63,900, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,671, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 120 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 23.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $63,900 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $135,671 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.4% |
| Housing Units | 120 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Bladen, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 18.5% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,411. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bladen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 18.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,411 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,675 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Bladen has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,797 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bladen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bladen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 291.2/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,797.4/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bladen experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°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 25.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.6 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 1,983 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.0°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,983 ft (604 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 483/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3234°N, 98.5959°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.5"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
127 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
142 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
52 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
83 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
28 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
53 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
819 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 487 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
32 km |
4 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
91 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Bladen has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Bladen. 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 Bladen
What is the population of Bladen?
Bladen has a population of 174 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 483 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Bladen expensive to live in?
Bladen 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 $63,194, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $63,900 (77% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bladen safe?
Bladen is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,797 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bladen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bladen?
Bladen has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.5 inches, with 18.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Bladen?
The job market in Bladen is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $823. There are 128 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bladen?
The median home value in Bladen is $63,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,671. The homeownership rate is 97.6%.
How are the schools in Bladen?
Schools in Bladen score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.9% of adults in Bladen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bladen?
The obesity rate in Bladen is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 18.5% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,411.
What is transportation like in Bladen?
The average commute in Bladen is 30 minutes. 83.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bladen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bladen is 94.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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