Median Income
$84,861
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$171,200
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.7%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$808
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Friend Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,085
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density1,307/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,861
Per Capita$36,159
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$1,293M
Commute42 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$171,200
Rent$808
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$241,327
Housing Units517
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,118/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking14.7%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain29.0 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,558 ft (475 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.7%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+9.9%
School Score5.33
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute42 min
Broadband86.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Friend a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Friend receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include long commute times, high obesity rates. Friend offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Friend is $84,861, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Friend is $171,200, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $808 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Friend is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
27.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Friend experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.0 inches, including 23.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Friend has a population of 1,085 with a density of 1,307 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.7% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.7%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
53% below US avg
The median household income in Friend is $84,861, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,159. The average weekly wage is $1,056, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 386 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,861 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,159 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,056 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 386 |
| County GDP | $1,293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,556 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Friend is $171,200, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,327, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $808 (31% 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. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 517 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $4,556 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $171,200 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,327 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $808 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 517 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,556 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.66% |
In Friend, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 19.4% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,365. The dentist ratio is 1:1,764. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Friend vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,365 |
| Dentists | 1:1,764 |
| Mental Health | 1:910 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,922/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Friend has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Friend receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Friend vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 83.9/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,118.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Friend experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 308 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 29.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.9 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 1,558 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,558 ft (475 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,307/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6505°N, 97.2838°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Saline County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.0"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
72 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 26, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
105 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
123 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
781 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 489 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
92 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
37 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK CREEK (1,433 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Friend has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 28.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Friend. 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 Friend
What is the population of Friend?
Friend has a population of 1,085 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,307 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Friend expensive to live in?
Friend 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 $84,861, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $171,200 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $808 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Friend safe?
Friend is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Friend receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Friend?
Friend has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.0 inches, with 23.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Friend?
The job market in Friend is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,056. There are 386 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 42 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Friend?
The median home value in Friend is $171,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,327. For renters, the median monthly rent is $808. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,556.
How are the schools in Friend?
Schools in Friend score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.7% of adults in Friend hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 9.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Friend?
The obesity rate in Friend is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,365.
What is transportation like in Friend?
The average commute in Friend is 42 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Friend?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Friend is 98.5% White. 93.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
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