Median Income
$58,438
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,500
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
255/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.3%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$688
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Litchfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population287
Median Age45.6 yrs
Density957/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans0.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,438
Per Capita$32,831
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$882M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,500
Rent$688
Ownership82.9%
Zillow$184,779
Housing Units148
Rent Burden42.5%
Crime
F
Violent255/100K
Property2,073/100K
Health
Obesity42.1%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking16.2%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,163 ft (659 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.3%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score6.26
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute21 min
Broadband95.7%
EV Stations15
Libraries7
Is Litchfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Litchfield 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Litchfield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Litchfield is $58,438, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Litchfield is $84,500, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $688 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Litchfield is below the national average at 255 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Litchfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°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 26.3 inches, including 25.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Litchfield has a population of 287 with a density of 957 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 45.6 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.7% female and 53.3% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 0.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.6yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Litchfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Litchfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Litchfield is $58,438, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,831 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 488 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Litchfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,438 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,831 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,725 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 488 |
| County GDP | $882M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Litchfield is $84,500, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,779, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $688 (41% 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. 82.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 148 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,290. 42.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,779 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $688 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.1% |
| Housing Units | 148 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.89% |
In Litchfield, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,743. The dentist ratio is 1:2,095. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Litchfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,743 |
| Dentists | 1:2,095 |
| Mental Health | 1:814 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Litchfield has a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,073 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Litchfield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Litchfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 255.3/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,073.0/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Litchfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°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 26.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.9 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 2,163 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,163 ft (659 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 957/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1560°N, 99.1531°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Custer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.3"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
84 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
45 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
59 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
53 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
42 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
659 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 420 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
94 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
76 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1961 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
19 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,883 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
DEL PORTO |
2,856 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,298 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,283 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,185 |
85 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°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 |
49°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Litchfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Litchfield. 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 Litchfield
What is the population of Litchfield?
Litchfield has a population of 287 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 957 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
Is Litchfield expensive to live in?
Litchfield 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 $58,438, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,500 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $688 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Litchfield safe?
Litchfield is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Litchfield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Litchfield?
Litchfield has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°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 26.3 inches, with 25.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Litchfield?
The job market in Litchfield is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 488 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Litchfield?
The median home value in Litchfield is $84,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,779. For renters, the median monthly rent is $688. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,290.
How are the schools in Litchfield?
Schools in Litchfield score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.3% of adults in Litchfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Litchfield?
The obesity rate in Litchfield is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,743.
What is transportation like in Litchfield?
The average commute in Litchfield is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Litchfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Litchfield is 99.3% White. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 0.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
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