Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,000
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$547
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Pilger Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population288
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density960/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$32,697
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$804M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,000
Rent$547
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$298,384
Housing Units133
Rent Burden47.9%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property2,456/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking13.6%
Depression17.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,408 ft (429 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute32 min
Broadband79.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Pilger a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pilger 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. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Pilger offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pilger is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pilger is $117,000, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $547 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Pilger is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Pilger experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.2 inches, including 25.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Pilger has a population of 288 with a density of 960 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.1% female and 56.9% male. The city is predominantly White (91%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Pilger is $63,125, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,697 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $870, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 281 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 0.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,697 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $870 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,868 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 281 |
| County GDP | $804M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,525 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.6% |
The median home value in Pilger is $117,000, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,384, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $547 (53% 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. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 133 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $4,525 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 47.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,000 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $298,384 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $547 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 47.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 133 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,525 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.87% |
In Pilger, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 23.7% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 17.3% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,631. The dentist ratio is 1:1,974. 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pilger vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 17.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.3% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,631 |
| Dentists | 1:1,974 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,234 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 4,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Pilger has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pilger receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pilger vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,456.5/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pilger experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 26.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.9 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 1,408 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,408 ft (429 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 960/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0075°N, 97.0549°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% 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 | 14.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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
7 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 |
69 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
26 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
62 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
587 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 388 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
4 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
9 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
64 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
81 km |
4 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
88 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 |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Pilger has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Pilger. 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 Pilger
What is the population of Pilger?
Pilger has a population of 288 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 960 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 43.1% female and 56.9% male.
Is Pilger expensive to live in?
Pilger 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 $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,000 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $547 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pilger safe?
Pilger is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pilger receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pilger?
Pilger 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 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.2 inches, with 25.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Pilger?
The job market in Pilger is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $870. There are 281 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 0.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pilger?
The median home value in Pilger is $117,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,384. For renters, the median monthly rent is $547. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,525.
How are the schools in Pilger?
Schools in Pilger score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Pilger hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pilger?
The obesity rate in Pilger is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 17.3% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,631.
What is transportation like in Pilger?
The average commute in Pilger is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pilger?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pilger is 91% White. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
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