Median Income
$52,500
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,400
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$478
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.9%
44% higher than US avg
How Curtis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population761
Median Age30.6 yrs
Density634/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$52,500
Per Capita$24,982
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty17.9%
County GDP$104M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,400
Rent$478
Ownership55.0%
Zillow$148,036
Housing Units348
Rent Burden22.6%
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking14.6%
Depression18.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain21.3 in/yr
Elevation2,586 ft (788 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute24 min
Broadband69.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Curtis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Curtis receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Curtis offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Curtis is $52,500, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Curtis is $144,400, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $478 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Curtis experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.3 inches, including 28.1 inches of snow.
Curtis has a population of 761 with a density of 634 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 30.6 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (86.5%), with 7.6% Hispanic, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
761
Total Population
2023 Census
30.6yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Curtis is $52,500, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,982 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $807, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 98 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,500 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,982 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $807 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,503 |
| Gini Index | 0.392 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.9% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 98 |
| County GDP | $104M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Curtis is $144,400, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,036. Monthly rent averages $478 (59% 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. 55.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 348 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,400 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,036 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $478 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.0% |
| Housing Units | 348 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
In Curtis, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 18.5% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. 60.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Curtis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 18.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,585 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,825/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Curtis experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 28.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,586 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,586 ft (788 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 634/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6336°N, 100.5113°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Frontier County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.3"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.69"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very 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: M3.7. Most recent: M3.3 on Apr 19, 2018.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
86 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
84 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
20 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
61 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
88 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
4 km NW of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
480 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 49 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1989 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BETTY'S WAY (68,425 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BETTY'S WAY |
68,425 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
59 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
27,237 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
32 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,793 |
62 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,681 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
HARVEST CA |
6,526 |
88 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
44 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,149 |
58 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,706 |
58 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
77 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
68 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,397 |
43 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
64 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,262 |
81 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Curtis has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Curtis. 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 Curtis
What is the population of Curtis?
Curtis has a population of 761 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 634 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Curtis expensive to live in?
Curtis 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 $52,500, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,400 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $478 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Curtis?
Curtis has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 21.3 inches, with 28.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Curtis?
The unemployment rate in Curtis is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $807. There are 98 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Curtis?
The median home value in Curtis is $144,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,036. For renters, the median monthly rent is $478. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.0%.
How are the schools in Curtis?
Schools in Curtis score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Curtis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Curtis?
The obesity rate in Curtis is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 18.5% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 60.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Curtis?
The average commute in Curtis is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Curtis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Curtis is 86.5% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.