Median Income
$67,419
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,900
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
156/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.8%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$880
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Pender Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,262
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density1,803/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,419
Per Capita$35,269
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$605M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,900
Rent$880
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$215,222
Housing Units505
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent156/100K
Property3,662/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking18.7%
Depression19.3%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain30.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,321 ft (403 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.8%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score2.47
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 46%
Commute31 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Pender a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pender 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 high obesity rates. Pender offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pender is $67,419, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pender is $165,900, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Pender is below the national average at 156 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the national average.
Education
30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Pender experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches, including 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Pender has a population of 1,262 with a density of 1,803 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.2%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Pender is $67,419, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,269. The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 164 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 2.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,419 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,269 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,733 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 164 |
| County GDP | $605M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,840 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Pender is $165,900, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,222, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $880 (24% 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. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 505 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,840. 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,900 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,222 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $880 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 505 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,840 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In Pender, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 19.3% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,103. The dentist ratio is 1:1,085. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pender vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 19.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,103 |
| Dentists | 1:1,085 |
| Mental Health | 1:205 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 27,026/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Pender has a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pender receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pender vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 156.3/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,661.8/100K |
| 87% 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 |
Pender experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. The area receives 35.5 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 1,321 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,321 ft (403 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,803/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1106°N, 96.7116°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Thurston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.7"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
82 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
53 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
92 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
591 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 311 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
5 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
94 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Pender has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Pender. 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 Pender
What is the population of Pender?
Pender has a population of 1,262 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,803 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Pender expensive to live in?
Pender 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 $67,419, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,900 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pender safe?
Pender is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pender receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pender?
Pender has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.7 inches, with 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Pender?
The job market in Pender is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 164 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 2.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pender?
The median home value in Pender is $165,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,222. For renters, the median monthly rent is $880. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,840.
How are the schools in Pender?
Schools in Pender have an average test score of 2.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 30.8% of adults in Pender hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pender?
The obesity rate in Pender is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 19.3% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,103.
What is transportation like in Pender?
The average commute in Pender is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pender?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pender is 87.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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