Median Income
$73,500
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$151,600
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
44/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,077
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Mead Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population600
Median Age32.3 yrs
Density984/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,500
Per Capita$35,322
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$1,090M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$151,600
Rent$1,077
Ownership85.1%
Zillow$284,301
Housing Units256
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent44/100K
Property1,907/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking12.7%
Depression17.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain30.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,201 ft (366 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute21 min
Broadband93.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Mead a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mead 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 high obesity rates. Mead offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mead is $73,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.3% 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 Mead is $151,600, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,077 per month. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mead is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,907 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mead experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.1 inches, including 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Mead has a population of 600 with a density of 984 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 32.3 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.3yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Mead is $73,500, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,322. The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 656 business establishments, including 41 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). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,500 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,322 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $960 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,730 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 656 |
| County GDP | $1,090M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,137 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Mead is $151,600, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,301, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,077 (7% 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. 85.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 256 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $6,137 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $151,600 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $284,301 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,077 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.9% |
| Housing Units | 256 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,137 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.05% |
In Mead, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 24.1% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 17.6% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,279. The dentist ratio is 1:3,303. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mead vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 17.6% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 28.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,279 |
| Dentists | 1:3,303 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,346 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,667/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Mead has a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,907 per 100,000, 3% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mead receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mead vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 44.4/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,907.3/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mead experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 30.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 20.3 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 1,201 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,201 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 984/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2244°N, 96.4872°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Saunders County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.1"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 517 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
35 km |
3 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
71 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Mead has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Mead. 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 Mead
What is the population of Mead?
Mead has a population of 600 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 984 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Mead expensive to live in?
Mead 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 $73,500, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $151,600 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,077 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mead safe?
Mead is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,907 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mead receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mead?
Mead has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.1 inches, with 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Mead?
The job market in Mead is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 656 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mead?
The median home value in Mead is $151,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,301. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,077. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,137.
How are the schools in Mead?
Schools in Mead score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Mead hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mead?
The obesity rate in Mead is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 17.6% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,279.
What is transportation like in Mead?
The average commute in Mead is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mead?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mead is 97.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
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