Median Income
$61,250
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,800
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$550
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Howard City (Boelus) Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population170
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density239/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,250
Per Capita$38,194
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$288M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,800
Rent$550
Ownership80.0%
Zillow$277,605
Housing Units121
Rent Burden14.3%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property4,359/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking15.1%
Depression18.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,919 ft (585 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.91
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute32 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Howard City (Boelus) a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Howard City (Boelus) receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Howard City (Boelus) offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Howard City (Boelus) is $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Howard City (Boelus) is $78,800, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Howard City (Boelus) is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Howard City (Boelus) experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 24.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Howard City (Boelus) has a population of 170 with a density of 239 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Howard City (Boelus) vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Howard City (Boelus) vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Howard City (Boelus) is $61,250, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,194. The average weekly wage is $832, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 214 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Howard City (Boelus) vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,250 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,194 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $832 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,708 |
| Gini Index | 0.398 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 214 |
| County GDP | $288M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,950 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Howard City (Boelus) is $78,800, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,605, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $550 (53% 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. 80.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 121 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,950. 14.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,800 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,605 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $550 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.0% |
| Housing Units | 121 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,950 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.01% |
In Howard City (Boelus), 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 18.4% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,306. The dentist ratio is 1:3,257. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Howard City (Boelus) vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 18.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,306 |
| Dentists | 1:3,257 |
| Mental Health | 1:932 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,022/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Howard City (Boelus) has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Howard City (Boelus) receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Howard City (Boelus) vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,358.9/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Howard City (Boelus) experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.4 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 1,919 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,919 ft (585 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 239/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0754°N, 98.7153°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Howard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| 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
34 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 |
130 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
49 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
52 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| Jun 19, 2017 |
1 km W of Mankato, Kansas |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
733 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 411 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
65 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
39 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
25 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
45 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,456 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Howard City (Boelus) has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Howard City (Boelus). 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 Howard City (Boelus)
What is the population of Howard City (Boelus)?
Howard City (Boelus) has a population of 170 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 239 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
Is Howard City (Boelus) expensive to live in?
Howard City (Boelus) 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 $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,800 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Howard City (Boelus) safe?
Howard City (Boelus) is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Howard City (Boelus) receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Howard City (Boelus)?
Howard City (Boelus) has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 24.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Howard City (Boelus)?
The job market in Howard City (Boelus) is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $832. There are 214 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Howard City (Boelus)?
The median home value in Howard City (Boelus) is $78,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,605. For renters, the median monthly rent is $550. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,950.
How are the schools in Howard City (Boelus)?
Schools in Howard City (Boelus) score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.5% of adults in Howard City (Boelus) hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Howard City (Boelus)?
The obesity rate in Howard City (Boelus) is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 18.4% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,306.
What is transportation like in Howard City (Boelus)?
The average commute in Howard City (Boelus) is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Howard City (Boelus)?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard City (Boelus) is 95.9% White. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
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