Median Income
$101,932
36% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
338/100K
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.7%
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.7%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cheney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population174
Median Age18.3 yrs
Density1,243/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans89.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$101,932
Per Capita$31,113
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$28,815M
Commute23 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$668,091
Housing Units49
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent338/100K
Property3,349/100K
Health
Obesity31.7%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking9.3%
Depression19.3%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain32.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,442 ft (440 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+24.7%
School Score6.52
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 51%
Commute23 min
Broadband47.0%
EV Stations51
Libraries9
Is Cheney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cheney receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Cheney offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cheney is $101,932, which is significantly higher than the national average / 36% above $75,149. This places Cheney among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cheney is below the national average at 338 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Cheney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Cheney has a population of 174 with a density of 1,243 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 18.3 years, 53% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 89.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
18.3yrs
Median Age
53% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Cheney is $101,932, which is 36% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,113 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,141, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,853 business establishments, including 794 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $101,932 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,113 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,141 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,036 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,853 |
| County GDP | $28,815M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 794 |
| Healthcare | 1,148 |
| Retail | 989 |
| Manufacturing | 246 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,896 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $668,091. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 49 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $6,896 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 49 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,896 |
| 97% above US avg |
In Cheney, 31.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.7% have high blood pressure. 9.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 23.4% report binge drinking. 14.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.3% report depression. 12.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,442. The dentist ratio is 1:936. 95.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cheney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.7% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.7% |
| Asthma | 8.8% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.3% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.8% |
| Depression | 19.3% |
| Mental Distress | 12.8% |
| Physical Distress | 8.4% |
| Short Sleep | 28.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,442 |
| Dentists | 1:936 |
| Mental Health | 1:223 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 75.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,252/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,148 |
Cheney has a violent crime rate of 338 per 100,000 residents, 11% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 26 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cheney receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cheney vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 338.5/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,348.7/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cheney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 32.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,442 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,442 ft (440 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,243/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7260°N, 96.5936°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lancaster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.3"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0455 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
89 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
68 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
666 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 520 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
66 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK CREEK (1,433 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Cheney has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Cheney. 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 | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheney
What is the population of Cheney?
Cheney has a population of 174 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,243 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 18.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Cheney expensive to live in?
Cheney 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 $101,932, 36% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Cheney safe?
Cheney is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 338 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cheney receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cheney?
Cheney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Cheney?
The job market in Cheney is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,141. There are 9,853 business establishments in the area, including 794 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Cheney?
Schools in Cheney score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.7% of adults in Cheney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 24.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cheney?
The obesity rate in Cheney is 31.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.3% of adults are smokers. 14.8% are physically inactive. 19.3% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 95.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,442.
What is transportation like in Cheney?
The average commute in Cheney is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cheney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cheney is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 89.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.