Median Income
$62,273
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,500
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$723
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How Blue Hill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population794
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density1,118/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,273
Per Capita$33,535
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty9.6%
County GDP$364M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,500
Rent$723
Ownership67.8%
Zillow$219,862
Housing Units414
Rent Burden30.2%
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.4%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain27.6 in/yr
Elevation1,971 ft (601 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute20 min
Broadband94.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Blue Hill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blue Hill receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, strong internet connectivity. Blue Hill offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Blue Hill is $62,273, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blue Hill is $162,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $723 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Blue Hill experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.6 inches, including 25.3 inches of snow.
Blue Hill has a population of 794 with a density of 1,118 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
794
Total Population
2023 Census
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Blue Hill vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Blue Hill vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Blue Hill is $62,273, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,535 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $823, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.6% 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Blue Hill vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,273 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,535 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $823 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,309 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% 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 | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Blue Hill is $162,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,862, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $723 (38% 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. 67.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 414 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. 30.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,862 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $723 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.2% |
| Housing Units | 414 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
In Blue Hill, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 19.0% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% 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: Blue Hill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,411 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,675 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Blue Hill experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,971 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,971 ft (601 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,118/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3331°N, 98.4484°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.6"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
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
116 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 |
150 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
45 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
70 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
72 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
77 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
70 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
70 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
20 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
46 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
67 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
70 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
67 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
78 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
840 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 519 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
25 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
67 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
44 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
99 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Blue Hill has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Blue Hill. 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 Blue Hill
What is the population of Blue Hill?
Blue Hill has a population of 794 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,118 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Blue Hill expensive to live in?
Blue Hill 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 $62,273, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $723 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Blue Hill?
Blue Hill has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 27.6 inches, with 25.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Blue Hill?
The job market in Blue Hill is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / 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 20 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Blue Hill?
The median home value in Blue Hill is $162,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,862. For renters, the median monthly rent is $723. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.8%.
How are the schools in Blue Hill?
Schools in Blue Hill score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Blue Hill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Blue Hill?
The obesity rate in Blue Hill is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,411.
What is transportation like in Blue Hill?
The average commute in Blue Hill is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Blue Hill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Blue Hill is 92.9% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.