Median Income
$73,750
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,700
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
66/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.3%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$842
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Paxton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population643
Median Age30.8 yrs
Density624/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,750
Per Capita$31,170
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$526M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,700
Rent$842
Ownership73.1%
Zillow$255,504
Housing Units248
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent66/100K
Property2,579/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking14.5%
Depression17.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain19.2 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation3,056 ft (931 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.3%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute19 min
Broadband91.7%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Paxton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paxton receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Paxton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Paxton is $73,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Paxton is $114,700, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $842 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
Paxton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,579 per 100,000, 32% above the national average.
Education
23.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Paxton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Paxton has a population of 643 with a density of 624 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 30.8 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.8yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Paxton is $73,750, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,170 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 398 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,750 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,170 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,144 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 398 |
| County GDP | $526M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,793 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Paxton is $114,700, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,504, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $842 (28% 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. 73.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 248 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $3,793. 29.1% 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 | $114,700 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $255,504 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $842 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.9% |
| Housing Units | 248 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,793 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.31% |
In Paxton, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 17.5% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,380. The dentist ratio is 1:1,654. 71.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paxton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 17.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 29.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,380 |
| Dentists | 1:1,654 |
| Mental Health | 1:676 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,726/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Paxton has a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,579 per 100,000, 32% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paxton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Paxton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 65.6/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,579.2/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Paxton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 316 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 19.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.4 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 3,056 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,056 ft (931 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 624/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1234°N, 101.3520°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Keith County County |
| Nearest Airport | North Platte Regional/Lee Bird Field (LBF)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.2"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
78 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
4 km NW of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
101 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
21 km WNW of Mullen, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
408 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 36 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1989 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| May 23, 2024 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2003 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1992 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BETTY'S WAY (68,425 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BETTY'S WAY |
68,425 |
78 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
27,237 |
41 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
17,990 |
21 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
TURNER TATANKA |
15,749 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
KEITH COUNTY COMPLEX |
13,526 |
50 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
59 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,793 |
62 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,681 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
HARVEST CA |
6,526 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
DRYWELLS |
6,492 |
80 km |
| 2019 |
RED KATE |
6,115 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,014 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,439 |
39 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,192 |
57 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,149 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,926 |
90 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,706 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
MOTHERS DAY |
2,047 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Paxton has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Paxton. 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 Paxton
What is the population of Paxton?
Paxton has a population of 643 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 624 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Paxton expensive to live in?
Paxton 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 $73,750, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,700 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $842 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 Paxton safe?
Paxton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,579 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Paxton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paxton?
Paxton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.2 inches, with 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Paxton?
The job market in Paxton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 398 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Paxton?
The median home value in Paxton is $114,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,504. For renters, the median monthly rent is $842. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,793.
How are the schools in Paxton?
Schools in Paxton score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.3% of adults in Paxton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Paxton?
The obesity rate in Paxton is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 17.5% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 71.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,380.
What is transportation like in Paxton?
The average commute in Paxton is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paxton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paxton is 92.7% White. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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