Median Income
$60,000
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,000
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.9%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$506
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Orleans Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population335
Median Age53.5 yrs
Density558/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,000
Per Capita$34,973
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$267M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,000
Rent$506
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$99,512
Housing Units207
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property2,312/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.0%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain24.7 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,024 ft (617 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.9%
High School+87.8%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 16%
Commute26 min
Broadband73.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Orleans a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Orleans 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. Orleans offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Orleans is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Orleans is $55,000, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $506 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Orleans is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,312 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Orleans experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.7 inches, including 15.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Orleans has a population of 335 with a density of 558 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 53.5 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.5yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
The median household income in Orleans is $60,000, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,973. The average weekly wage is $869, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (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 128 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 13.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,973 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $869 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,154 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 128 |
| County GDP | $267M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.5% |
| Public Transit | 2.2% |
| Work from Home | 13.1% |
The median home value in Orleans is $55,000, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $99,512, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $506 (56% 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. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 207 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,500 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,000 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $99,512 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $506 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 207 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.18% |
In Orleans, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.1% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,545. The dentist ratio is 1:3,054. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Orleans vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,545 |
| Dentists | 1:3,054 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,062/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Orleans has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,312 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Orleans receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Orleans vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.2/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,312.1/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
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 |
Orleans experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 308 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 24.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.3 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 2,024 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,024 ft (617 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 558/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1317°N, 99.4551°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Harlan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.7"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
152 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
102 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
118 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
102 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
102 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
73 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 45 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
48 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
58 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
53 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
55 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
43 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
84 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
61 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Orleans has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Orleans. 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 Orleans
What is the population of Orleans?
Orleans has a population of 335 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 558 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Orleans expensive to live in?
Orleans 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 $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,000 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $506 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Orleans safe?
Orleans is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,312 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Orleans receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Orleans?
Orleans has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.7 inches, with 15.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Orleans?
The job market in Orleans is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $869. There are 128 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 13.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Orleans?
The median home value in Orleans is $55,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $99,512. For renters, the median monthly rent is $506. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,500.
How are the schools in Orleans?
Schools in Orleans score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.9% of adults in Orleans hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Orleans?
The obesity rate in Orleans is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,545.
What is transportation like in Orleans?
The average commute in Orleans is 26 minutes. 74.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.2% use public transit, and 13.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Orleans?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Orleans is 92.5% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.