Median Income
$62,012
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,300
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$729
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Central City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,039
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density1,245/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,012
Per Capita$34,675
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$554M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,300
Rent$729
Ownership67.4%
Zillow$207,139
Housing Units1,285
Rent Burden28.5%
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking15.5%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain28.5 in/yr
Elevation1,696 ft (517 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute18 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Central City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Central City receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Central City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Central City is $62,012, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Central City is $158,300, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $729 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
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Central City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.5 inches, including 28.6 inches of snow.
Central City has a population of 3,039 with a density of 1,245 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (87.7%), with 7.3% Hispanic, 1.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,039
Total Population
2023 Census
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Central City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.6%
51% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Central City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Central City is $62,012, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,675 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,105, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 275 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Central City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,012 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,675 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,105 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,323 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 275 |
| County GDP | $554M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Central City is $158,300, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,139, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $223,500 with homes selling in an average of 130 days. Homes sell for 97% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $729 (37% 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. 67.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,285 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.5% 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 | $158,300 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $207,139 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $223,500 |
| Median List Price | $439,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $223,500 |
| Median List Price | $439,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $113 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 130 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.0% |
| Price Drops | 37.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $729 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,285 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Central City, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.8% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,555. The dentist ratio is 1:1,544. 51.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Central City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,555 |
| Dentists | 1:1,544 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,585 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,240/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Central City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 28.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,696 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,696 ft (517 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,245/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1130°N, 98.0003°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Merrick County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.5"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.73"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 42.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| 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
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
68 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
107 km |
| Jun 19, 2017 |
1 km W of Mankato, Kansas |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
5 km WNW of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
98 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
2 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Mar 5, 2020 |
6 km ESE of Esbon, Kansas |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
762 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 31 fatalities, 453 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
70 km |
4 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
33 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
72 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Central City has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Central City. 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 Central City
What is the population of Central City?
Central City has a population of 3,039 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,245 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Central City expensive to live in?
Central City 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 $62,012, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,300 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $729 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 Central City?
Central City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 28.5 inches, with 28.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Central City?
The job market in Central City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,105. There are 275 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Central City?
The median home value in Central City is $158,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,139. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $223,500, with homes typically selling within 130 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $729. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Central City?
Schools in Central City score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Central City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Central City?
The obesity rate in Central City is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 51.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,555.
What is transportation like in Central City?
The average commute in Central City is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Central City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Central City is 87.7% White, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Asian. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.