Median Income
$66,458
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,900
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
221/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.3%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$712
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.7%
14% lower than US avg
How O'Neill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,574
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density1,527/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,458
Per Capita$33,812
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.7%
County GDP$913M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,900
Rent$712
Ownership66.5%
Zillow$126,284
Housing Units1,700
Rent Burden20.2%
Crime
F
Violent221/100K
Property470/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault83/100K
Burglary83/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking16.2%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,005 ft (611 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.3%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+10.8%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 13%
Commute11 min
Broadband79.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is O'Neill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, O'Neill receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. O'Neill offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in O'Neill is $66,458, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in O'Neill is $130,900, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $712 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in O'Neill is below the national average at 221 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 470 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
O'Neill experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.9 inches, including 25.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
O'Neill has a population of 3,574 with a density of 1,527 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in O'Neill is $66,458, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,812 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 516 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,458 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,812 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,776 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.7% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 516 |
| County GDP | $913M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,682 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in O'Neill is $130,900, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,284. Monthly rent averages $712 (39% 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. 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,700 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,682. 20.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,900 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,284 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $712 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,700 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,682 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In O'Neill, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 29.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.7% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,117. The dentist ratio is 1:1,004. 63.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: O'Neill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.1% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,117 |
| Dentists | 1:1,004 |
| Mental Health | 1:439 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,598/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
O'Neill has a violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 83.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 138.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 470 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 332, burglary at 83, vehicle theft at 55 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, O'Neill receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: O'Neill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 221.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 138.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 83.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 470.3/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 83.0/100K |
| Theft | 332.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 55.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
O'Neill experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 25.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.6 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 2,005 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,005 ft (611 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,527/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4615°N, 98.6470°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Holt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.9"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 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 |
40 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
61 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
60 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
70 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
29 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
106 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
99 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
384 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 163 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1979 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1960 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,910 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
61 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
86 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
68 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
52 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
58 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,130 |
72 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
O'Neill has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in O'Neill. 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 O'Neill
What is the population of O'Neill?
O'Neill has a population of 3,574 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,527 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is O'Neill expensive to live in?
O'Neill 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 $66,458, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,900 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $712 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is O'Neill safe?
O'Neill is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 470 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, O'Neill receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in O'Neill?
O'Neill has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.9 inches, with 25.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in O'Neill?
The job market in O'Neill is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 516 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in O'Neill?
The median home value in O'Neill is $130,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,284. For renters, the median monthly rent is $712. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,682.
How are the schools in O'Neill?
Schools in O'Neill score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.3% of adults in O'Neill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is O'Neill?
The obesity rate in O'Neill is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 29.1% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,117.
What is transportation like in O'Neill?
The average commute in O'Neill is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of O'Neill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of O'Neill is 91.1% White, 0.8% Black or African American. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
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