Median Income
$55,625
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,000
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.0%
77% higher than US avg
How Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population210
Median Age21.3 yrs
Density1,909/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$55,625
Per Capita$16,825
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty22.0%
County GDP$874M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,000
Rent$725
Ownership86.0%
Zillow$104,093
Housing Units65
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property248/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking14.5%
Depression14.5%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,398 ft (426 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+86.4%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute14 min
Broadband43.0%
Libraries6
Is Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Center receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Center has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Center is $55,625, 26% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 22.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Center is $73,000, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 248 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.2 inches, including 36.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Center has a population of 210 with a density of 1,909 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 21.3 years, 45% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (82.9%), with 7.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.3yrs
Median Age
45% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Center is $55,625, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,825 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $826, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 328 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,625 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,825 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $826 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,409 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.0% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 328 |
| County GDP | $874M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,400 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Center is $73,000, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,093, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (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. 86.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 65 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,400 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,000 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $104,093 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% 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 | 86.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.0% |
| Housing Units | 65 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,400 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.29% |
In Center, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 25.0% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 14.5% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 13.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,100. The dentist ratio is 1:1,042. 48.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.0% |
| Asthma | 7.6% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 14.5% |
| Mental Distress | 13.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 29.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,100 |
| Dentists | 1:1,042 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,383 |
| Checkup Rate | 61.5% |
| Dental Visits | 49.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,014/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Center has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 248 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Center receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 247.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 26.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.6 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 1,398 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,398 ft (426 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,909/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6090°N, 97.8762°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Knox County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
85 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
29 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
21 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
529 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 217 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
56 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Center. 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 Center
What is the population of Center?
Center has a population of 210 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,909 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Center expensive to live in?
Center 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 $55,625, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,000 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Center safe?
Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 248 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Center receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Center?
Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.2 inches, with 36.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Center?
The job market in Center faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $826. There are 328 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Center?
The median home value in Center is $73,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,093. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,400.
How are the schools in Center?
Schools in Center score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.7% of adults in Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.4% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Center?
The obesity rate in Center is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 14.5% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,100.
What is transportation like in Center?
The average commute in Center is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Center is 82.9% White, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 87.9% have health insurance coverage.
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