Median Income
$38,611
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,000
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$617
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.1%
97% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Pawnee City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population930
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density788/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans13.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,611
Per Capita$23,029
Unemployment0.1%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$141M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,000
Rent$617
Ownership80.3%
Zillow$118,859
Housing Units488
Rent Burden33.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,551/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking17.4%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,198 ft (365 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 21%
Commute9 min
Broadband81.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Pawnee City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pawnee City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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. Pawnee City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pawnee City is $38,611, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.1%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pawnee City is $57,000, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $617 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Pawnee City 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 1,551 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Pawnee City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Pawnee City has a population of 930 with a density of 788 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 13.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pawnee City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pawnee City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pawnee City is $38,611, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,029 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $895, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 93 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 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pawnee City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,611 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,029 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,685 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.1% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 93 |
| County GDP | $141M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 10 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Pawnee City is $57,000, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,859, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $617 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $961 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 488 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,000 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $118,859 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $617 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $666 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $961 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,152 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,284 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.7% |
| Housing Units | 488 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Pawnee City, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.7% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.5% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,548. The dentist ratio is 1:843. 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pawnee City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,548 |
| Dentists | 1:843 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 56.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,502/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Pawnee City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,551 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. Overall, Pawnee City receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Pawnee City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,550.6/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Pawnee City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,198 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,198 ft (365 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 788/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1106°N, 96.1531°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pawnee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 Low |
| 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: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
41 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
33 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
585 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 174 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1978 |
EF3 |
90 km |
3 |
| Jul 1, 1965 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1964 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1963 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AXELTON-BURKLUND (8,831 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
75 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
79 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
60 km |
| 2016 |
BLUE RAPIDS |
1,744 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
82 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
80 km |
| 2023 |
SHANNON CREEK |
1,089 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Pawnee City has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Pawnee City. 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 Pawnee City
What is the population of Pawnee City?
Pawnee City has a population of 930 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 788 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Pawnee City expensive to live in?
Pawnee City 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 $38,611, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,000 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $617 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pawnee City safe?
Pawnee City 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 1,551 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pawnee City receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pawnee City?
Pawnee City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Pawnee City?
The job market in Pawnee City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $895. There are 93 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pawnee City?
The median home value in Pawnee City is $57,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,859. For renters, the median monthly rent is $617. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $961 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.3%.
How are the schools in Pawnee City?
Schools in Pawnee City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.5% of adults in Pawnee City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pawnee City?
The obesity rate in Pawnee City is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,548.
What is transportation like in Pawnee City?
The average commute in Pawnee City is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pawnee City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pawnee City is 95.1% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 13.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
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