Median Income
$48,281
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,900
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.3%
72% higher than US avg
How Orchard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population346
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density865/mi²
Male / Female56% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,281
Per Capita$26,266
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty21.3%
County GDP$777M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,900
Rent$850
Ownership76.6%
Zillow$257,145
Housing Units191
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property352/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking16.1%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.1 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,942 ft (592 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute17 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Orchard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Orchard receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Orchard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Orchard is $48,281, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 21.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Orchard is $77,900, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Orchard is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 352 per 100,000, 82% below the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Orchard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 23°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 26.1 inches, including 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Orchard has a population of 346 with a density of 865 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.5% female and 55.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Orchard is $48,281, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,266 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $918, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 284 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,281 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,266 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $918 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,688 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.3% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 284 |
| County GDP | $777M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Orchard is $77,900, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,145, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% 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. 76.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 191 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,900 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $257,145 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.4% |
| Housing Units | 191 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.66% |
In Orchard, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 19.1% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,139. The dentist ratio is 1:3,147. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Orchard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,139 |
| Dentists | 1:3,147 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,576 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Orchard has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 352 per 100,000, 82% below the U.S. average. Overall, Orchard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Orchard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 108.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 351.6/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Orchard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 23°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 26.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.7 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 1,942 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,942 ft (592 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 865/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3365°N, 98.2409°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Antelope County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.1"
31% 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 | 19.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
15 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 |
72 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
85 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
61 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
42 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
54 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
448 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 193 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
80 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1979 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
79 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
98 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
39 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
56 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Orchard has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Orchard. 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 Orchard
What is the population of Orchard?
Orchard has a population of 346 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 865 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 44.5% female and 55.5% male.
Is Orchard expensive to live in?
Orchard 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 $48,281, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,900 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Orchard safe?
Orchard is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 352 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Orchard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Orchard?
Orchard has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 26.1 inches, with 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Orchard?
The job market in Orchard is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $918. There are 284 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Orchard?
The median home value in Orchard is $77,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,145. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,850.
How are the schools in Orchard?
Schools in Orchard score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Orchard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Orchard?
The obesity rate in Orchard is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,139.
What is transportation like in Orchard?
The average commute in Orchard is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Orchard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Orchard is 95.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
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