Median Income
$67,813
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,400
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
179/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.8%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$720
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Harvard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,001
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density1,540/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,813
Per Capita$29,834
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$469M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,400
Rent$720
Ownership76.4%
Zillow$123,184
Housing Units474
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent179/100K
Property852/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking13.7%
Depression17.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain29.8 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,801 ft (549 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.8%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute25 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations5
Libraries4
Is Harvard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harvard receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 high obesity rates. Harvard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harvard is $67,813, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harvard is $98,400, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $720 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Harvard is below the national average at 179 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 852 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
16.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Harvard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.8 inches, including 18.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Harvard has a population of 1,001 with a density of 1,540 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (80.6%), with 3.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.5% of residents, while 19.5% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 83.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.5%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.5%
46% above US avg
The median household income in Harvard is $67,813, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,834 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 276 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,813 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,834 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,128 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $469M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Harvard is $98,400, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,184, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $720 (38% 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. 76.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 474 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,829. 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,400 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,184 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $720 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.6% |
| Housing Units | 474 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.89% |
In Harvard, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 17.1% report depression. 14.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,039. 39.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harvard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 17.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,039 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,116 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,142/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Harvard has a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 852 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Harvard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harvard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 179.4/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 852.0/100K |
| 57% 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 |
Harvard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°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 29.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.5 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 1,801 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,801 ft (549 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,540/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6201°N, 98.0961°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.8"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very 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 High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
88 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 |
70 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
98 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
98 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
53 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
96 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
853 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 538 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
24 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
38 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Harvard has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Harvard. 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 Harvard
What is the population of Harvard?
Harvard has a population of 1,001 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,540 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Harvard expensive to live in?
Harvard 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 $67,813, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,400 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $720 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harvard safe?
Harvard is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 852 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Harvard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harvard?
Harvard has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.8 inches, with 18.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Harvard?
The job market in Harvard is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harvard?
The median home value in Harvard is $98,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,184. For renters, the median monthly rent is $720. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,829.
How are the schools in Harvard?
Schools in Harvard score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.8% of adults in Harvard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harvard?
The obesity rate in Harvard is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 17.1% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 39.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,039.
What is transportation like in Harvard?
The average commute in Harvard is 25 minutes. 85.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harvard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harvard is 80.6% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 80.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.5% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 83.1% have health insurance coverage.