Median Income
$68,068
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,000
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$638
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.1%
59% lower than US avg
How Leigh Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population451
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density752/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,068
Per Capita$35,280
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.1%
County GDP$1,023M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,000
Rent$638
Ownership86.8%
Zillow$263,732
Housing Units234
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,702/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking13.6%
Depression17.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,588 ft (484 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute16 min
Broadband93.7%
EV Stations8
Libraries4
Is Leigh a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Leigh 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. Leigh offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Leigh is $68,068, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Leigh is $89,000, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $638 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
Leigh 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 1,702 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Leigh experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Leigh has a population of 451 with a density of 752 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.2% female and 52.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Leigh is $68,068, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,280. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 312 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,068 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,280 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,571 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.1% |
| 59% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 312 |
| County GDP | $1,023M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,514 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Leigh is $89,000, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,732, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $638 (45% 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. 86.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 234 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,514. 20.0% 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 | $89,000 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $263,732 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $638 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.2% |
| Housing Units | 234 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,514 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.95% |
In Leigh, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 17.4% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:5,222. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Leigh vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 17.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,222 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,283 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 4,195/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Leigh has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,702 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Leigh receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Leigh vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 84.0/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,702.5/100K |
| 13% 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 |
Leigh experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,588 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,588 ft (484 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 752/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7033°N, 97.2407°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Colfax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
11 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
56 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
588 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 257 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
41 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
94 km |
4 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Leigh has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Leigh. 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 Leigh
What is the population of Leigh?
Leigh has a population of 451 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 752 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 47.2% female and 52.8% male.
Is Leigh expensive to live in?
Leigh 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 $68,068, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,000 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $638 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 Leigh safe?
Leigh 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 1,702 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Leigh receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Leigh?
Leigh has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Leigh?
The job market in Leigh is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 312 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Leigh?
The median home value in Leigh is $89,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,732. For renters, the median monthly rent is $638. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,514.
How are the schools in Leigh?
Schools in Leigh score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.6% of adults in Leigh hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Leigh?
The obesity rate in Leigh is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 17.4% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Leigh?
The average commute in Leigh is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Leigh?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Leigh is 95.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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