Median Income
$45,750
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$148,400
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
141/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$748
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Great Bend Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population600
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density2,069/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,750
Per Capita$31,586
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$2,616M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$148,400
Rent$748
Ownership64.4%
Zillow$203,868
Housing Units352
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent141/100K
Property424/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault141/100K
Burglary141/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation891 ft (272 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+84.3%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute17 min
Broadband77.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Great Bend a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Great Bend receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Great Bend offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Great Bend is $45,750, 39% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Great Bend is $148,400, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $748 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Great Bend is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 424 per 100,000, 78% below the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Great Bend has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches, including 82.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Great Bend has a population of 600 with a density of 2,069 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Great Bend vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Great Bend vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Great Bend is $45,750, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,586 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $976, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 990 business establishments, including 81 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 21.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Great Bend vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,750 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,586 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $976 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $90,369 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 990 |
| County GDP | $2,616M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 81 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 141 |
| Manufacturing | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,074 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 21.0% |
The median home value in Great Bend is $148,400, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,868, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $748 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 352 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,074 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $148,400 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $203,868 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $748 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.6% |
| Housing Units | 352 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,074 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.42% |
In Great Bend, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,742. The dentist ratio is 1:4,759. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Great Bend vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,742 |
| Dentists | 1:4,759 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,229 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,504/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Great Bend has a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 141.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 424 per 100,000, 78% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 282, burglary at 141, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Great Bend receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Great Bend vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 141.2/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 141.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 423.7/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| Burglary | 141.2/100K |
| Theft | 282.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 25 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Great Bend has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°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 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 82.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 891 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 891 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,069/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9730°N, 75.7452°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Susquehanna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
114 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
244 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
177 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 90 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
59 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 16 MILE (7,896 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
16 MILE |
7,896 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Great Bend has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 22°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Great Bend. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Bend
What is the population of Great Bend?
Great Bend has a population of 600 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,069 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Great Bend expensive to live in?
Great Bend has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,750, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $148,400 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $748 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Great Bend safe?
Great Bend is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 424 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Great Bend receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Great Bend?
Great Bend has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches, with 82.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Great Bend?
Great Bend has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $976. There are 990 business establishments in the area, including 81 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 21.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Great Bend?
The median home value in Great Bend is $148,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,868. For renters, the median monthly rent is $748. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,074.
How are the schools in Great Bend?
Schools in Great Bend score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Great Bend hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Great Bend?
The obesity rate in Great Bend is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,742.
What is transportation like in Great Bend?
The average commute in Great Bend is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 21.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Great Bend?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Great Bend is 90.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 25.6% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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