Median Income
$52,621
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$59,100
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
119/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.0%
91% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$792
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.5%
178% higher than US avg
How Lyman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population366
Median Age54.4 yrs
Density1,144/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$52,621
Per Capita$29,222
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty34.5%
County GDP$8,439M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$59,100
Rent$792
Ownership69.9%
Zillow$193,319
Housing Units238
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent119/100K
Property417/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured15.7%
Smoking14.6%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain15.0 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation4,050 ft (1,234 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.0%
High School+74.1%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute13 min
Broadband69.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries4
Is Lyman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lyman receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Lyman has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lyman is $52,621, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 34.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lyman is $59,100, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lyman is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 119 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 417 per 100,000, 79% below the national average.
Education
3.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lyman experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.0 inches, including 47.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Lyman has a population of 366 with a density of 1,144 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 54.4 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.8% female and 61.2% male. The city is predominantly White (73%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 59.9% of residents, while 40.1% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.4yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
59.9%
24% below US avg
Spanish
40.1%
199% above US avg
The median household income in Lyman is $52,621, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,222 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,172, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 34.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,736 business establishments, including 241 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,621 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,222 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,172 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,255 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.5% |
| 178% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,736 |
| County GDP | $8,439M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 241 |
| Healthcare | 364 |
| Retail | 356 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,798 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Lyman is $59,100, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,319, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $792 (32% 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. 69.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 238 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $3,798. 17.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $59,100 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,319 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $792 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.1% |
| Housing Units | 238 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,798 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.43% |
In Lyman, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.7% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 15.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,576. The dentist ratio is 1:1,158. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lyman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.1% |
| Uninsured | 15.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,576 |
| Dentists | 1:1,158 |
| Mental Health | 1:206 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 55.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 364 |
Lyman has a violent crime rate of 119 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 417 per 100,000, 79% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lyman receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lyman vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 119.1/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 416.7/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lyman experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°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 15.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 4,050 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,050 ft (1,234 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,144/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9170°N, 104.0381°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Laramie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field (BFF)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.0"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.68"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0490 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 6.2 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.16 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.12 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on May 28, 2025.
| Apr 9, 1996 |
34 km SW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Dec 13, 1993 |
14 km SW of Esterbrook, Wyoming |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| May 3, 1996 |
32 km SSW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Jan 6, 2018 |
7 km SW of Guernsey, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
72 km |
| Nov 2, 1992 |
5 km ESE of Lusk, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Sep 7, 2019 |
23 km WSW of Esterbrook, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Mar 10, 2011 |
22 km N of Van Tassell, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| Dec 19, 2013 |
33 km NE of Rock River, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
23 km WSW of Hay Springs, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| May 28, 2025 |
9 km ENE of Glendo, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
100 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
13 km WNW of Crawford, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 57 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1955 |
EF4 |
20 km |
2 |
| Jun 9, 1991 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1985 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1978 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1955 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1955 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2019 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2012 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2010 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1998 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1994 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1993 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FT.ROBINSON (46,887 ac, 1989).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1989 |
FT.ROBINSON |
46,887 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
SIOUX COUNTY COMPLEX |
39,567 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
PLEASANT VALLEY |
28,249 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
OLD CHICAGO |
25,218 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
SIMMONS |
20,950 |
43 km |
| 2022 |
CARTER CANYON |
15,828 |
27 km |
| 2011 |
SQUAW MTN |
14,379 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,279 |
46 km |
| 2012 |
SAWMILL CANYON |
13,438 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
CO LINE |
10,961 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
TRAILER |
8,040 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
SCHIFF |
6,714 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY CA |
6,367 |
71 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,239 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
POST CA |
5,546 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
SPRING CR. |
4,682 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
SQUAW MTN. |
4,093 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,047 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKEY |
3,961 |
52 km |
| 2012 |
COTTONWOOD |
3,924 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Lyman has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 27°F in December to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Lyman. 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 | $698 |
| Toddler | $674 |
| Preschool | $674 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $645 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyman
What is the population of Lyman?
Lyman has a population of 366 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,144 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.8% female and 61.2% male.
Is Lyman expensive to live in?
Lyman 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 $52,621, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $59,100 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lyman safe?
Lyman is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 119 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 417 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lyman receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lyman?
Lyman has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.0 inches, with 47.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Lyman?
Lyman has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,172. There are 4,736 business establishments in the area, including 241 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lyman?
The median home value in Lyman is $59,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,319. For renters, the median monthly rent is $792. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,798.
How are the schools in Lyman?
Schools in Lyman score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.0% of adults in Lyman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.1% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lyman?
The obesity rate in Lyman is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 15.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,576.
What is transportation like in Lyman?
The average commute in Lyman is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lyman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lyman is 73% White. 59.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 40.1% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 28.9% of residents have a disability. 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
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