Median Income
$61,202
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,200
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
182/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.0%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$858
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Hastings Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population25,005
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density1,677/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,202
Per Capita$34,567
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$2,661M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,200
Rent$858
Ownership63.7%
Zillow$198,927
Housing Units11,251
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent182/100K
Property2,934/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault105/100K
Burglary480/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking14.9%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.4 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,926 ft (587 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.0%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute15 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Hastings a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hastings receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Hastings offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hastings is $61,202, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hastings is $177,200, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $858 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hastings is below the national average at 182 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,934 per 100,000, 50% above the national average.
Education
28.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Hastings experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Hastings has a population of 25,005 with a density of 1,677 people per square mile, spread across 14.9 square miles. The median age is 37.3 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.8% of residents, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.3yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.8%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.2%
16% below US avg
The median household income in Hastings is $61,202, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,567 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $999, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,051 business establishments, including 95 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,202 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,567 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $999 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,373 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,051 |
| County GDP | $2,661M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Healthcare | 119 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,490 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Hastings is $177,200, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,927, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $858 (26% 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. 63.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 11,251 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $5,490 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,927 |
| Median List Price | $210,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $210,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $112 |
| Homes Sold | 22 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.5% |
| Price Drops | 26.6% |
| Inventory | 64 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $858 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.3% |
| Housing Units | 11,251 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,490 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.10% |
In Hastings, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,108. The dentist ratio is 1:1,475. 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
7.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
8.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.5
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
127.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Hastings vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,108 |
| Dentists | 1:1,475 |
| Mental Health | 1:231 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,989/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 119 |
Hastings has a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 104.9 per 100,000, robbery at 8.1, rape at 68.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,934 per 100,000, 50% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,248, burglary at 480, vehicle theft at 206 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hastings receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hastings vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 181.6/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 68.6/100K |
| Robbery | 8.1/100K |
| Assault | 104.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,934.1/100K |
| 50% above US avg |
| Burglary | 480.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,248.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 205.8/100K |
| Arson | 16.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hastings experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°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 26.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,926 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,926 ft (587 m) |
| Area | 14.9 sq mi (38.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,677/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5963°N, 98.3903°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Adams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.4"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
93 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 22, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
70 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
98 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
97 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
97 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
102 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
94 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 |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
47 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
830 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 542 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
5 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
35 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
93 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 |
72 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) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Hastings has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Hastings. 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 Hastings
What is the population of Hastings?
Hastings has a population of 25,005 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,677 people per square mile, spread across 14.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.3 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Hastings expensive to live in?
Hastings 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 $61,202, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,200 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $858 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hastings safe?
Hastings is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,934 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hastings receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hastings?
Hastings 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 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Hastings?
The job market in Hastings is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $999. There are 1,051 business establishments in the area, including 95 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hastings?
The median home value in Hastings is $177,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,927. For renters, the median monthly rent is $858. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,490.
How are the schools in Hastings?
Schools in Hastings score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.0% of adults in Hastings hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hastings?
The obesity rate in Hastings is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,108.
What is transportation like in Hastings?
The average commute in Hastings is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hastings?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hastings is 82.6% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 88.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
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