Median Income
$38,977
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,300
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$582
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
76% lower than US avg
How Niobrara Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population365
Median Age54.8 yrs
Density500/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans20.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$38,977
Per Capita$25,039
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty3.0%
County GDP$140M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,300
Rent$582
Ownership75.3%
Zillow$174,912
Housing Units229
Rent Burden19.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property248/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking19.2%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,299 ft (396 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute18 min
Broadband82.9%
Libraries1
Is Niobrara a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Niobrara receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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. Niobrara offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Niobrara is $38,977, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Niobrara is $91,300, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $582 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Niobrara is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 248 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Niobrara experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Niobrara has a population of 365 with a density of 500 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 54.8 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.6% female and 44.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.2%), with 10.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 20.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.8yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Niobrara is $38,977, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,039 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $711, 50% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 92 business establishments, including 3 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). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,977 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,039 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $711 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,049 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.0% |
| 76% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 92 |
| County GDP | $140M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Niobrara is $91,300, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,912, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $582 (50% 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. 75.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 229 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. 19.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $91,300 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,912 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $582 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.7% |
| Housing Units | 229 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
In Niobrara, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.8% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789. 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Niobrara vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,789 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,953/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Niobrara has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 248 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Niobrara receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Niobrara vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 247.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Niobrara experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 291 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 24.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,299 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,299 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7500°N, 98.0315°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.3"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.4 / 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 |
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
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
71 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
64 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
48 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
35 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
112 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
117 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
19 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
494 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 158 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
14 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Niobrara has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Niobrara. 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 Niobrara
What is the population of Niobrara?
Niobrara has a population of 365 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 500 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.6% female and 44.4% male.
Is Niobrara expensive to live in?
Niobrara 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 $38,977, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,300 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $582 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Niobrara safe?
Niobrara is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 248 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Niobrara receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Niobrara?
Niobrara has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Niobrara?
The job market in Niobrara is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $711. There are 92 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Niobrara?
The median home value in Niobrara is $91,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,912. For renters, the median monthly rent is $582. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.3%.
How are the schools in Niobrara?
Schools in Niobrara score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Niobrara hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Niobrara?
The obesity rate in Niobrara is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789.
What is transportation like in Niobrara?
The average commute in Niobrara is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Niobrara?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Niobrara is 88.2% White, 10.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 20.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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