Median Income
$38,125
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
350/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.9%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$536
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.9%
4% higher than US avg
How Lodgepole Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population221
Median Age60.1 yrs
Density460/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans13.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,125
Per Capita$32,040
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty12.9%
County GDP$88M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Rent$536
Ownership80.6%
Zillow$153,293
Housing Units186
Rent Burden31.0%
Crime
F
Violent350/100K
Property2,670/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking14.2%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation3,833 ft (1,168 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.9%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute18 min
Broadband74.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Lodgepole a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lodgepole receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Lodgepole has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lodgepole is $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lodgepole is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $536 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lodgepole is below the national average at 350 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,670 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Education
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Lodgepole experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches, including 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Lodgepole has a population of 221 with a density of 460 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 60.1 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.1yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lodgepole vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lodgepole vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lodgepole is $38,125, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,040 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $761, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 78 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lodgepole vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,125 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,040 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $761 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,699 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.9% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 78 |
| County GDP | $88M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Lodgepole is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,293, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $536 (54% 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. 80.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 186 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. 31.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $153,293 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $536 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.4% |
| Housing Units | 186 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
In Lodgepole, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:951. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lodgepole vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:951 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,402/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.1% |
Lodgepole has a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,670 per 100,000, 36% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lodgepole receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lodgepole vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 350.2/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,670.4/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lodgepole experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 316 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 17.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.9 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 3,833 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.1°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,833 ft (1,168 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 460/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1489°N, 102.6386°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Deuel County County |
| Nearest Airport | Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field (BFF)
70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Oct 18, 2012.
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
509 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 23 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1974 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2024 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2003 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1994 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1988 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1983 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 1980 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
45 km |
| 2012 |
TURNER TATANKA |
15,749 |
70 km |
| 1989 |
MORRILL CO |
14,497 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
KEITH COUNTY COMPLEX |
13,526 |
68 km |
| 2012 |
JEFFRIES |
8,853 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
DRYWELLS |
6,492 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY CA |
6,367 |
73 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,239 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
RED KATE |
6,115 |
71 km |
| 1998 |
SUGARLOAF |
4,075 |
52 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKEY |
3,961 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
HUBBARDS GAP |
3,435 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,275 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,192 |
77 km |
| 1986 |
W BLUE CREEK |
3,167 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
2,716 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,861 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
118 CA |
1,804 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,782 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Lodgepole has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Lodgepole. 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 Lodgepole
What is the population of Lodgepole?
Lodgepole has a population of 221 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 460 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Lodgepole expensive to live in?
Lodgepole 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 $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $536 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lodgepole safe?
Lodgepole is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,670 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lodgepole receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lodgepole?
Lodgepole has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches, with 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Lodgepole?
Lodgepole has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $761. There are 78 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lodgepole?
The median home value in Lodgepole is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,293. For renters, the median monthly rent is $536. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.6%.
How are the schools in Lodgepole?
Schools in Lodgepole score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.9% of adults in Lodgepole hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lodgepole?
The obesity rate in Lodgepole is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Lodgepole?
The average commute in Lodgepole is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lodgepole?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lodgepole is 96.8% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
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