Median Income
$56,100
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,900
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$818
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Plainview Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,241
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density1,149/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,100
Per Capita$30,529
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$738M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,900
Rent$818
Ownership65.0%
Zillow$147,069
Housing Units583
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property248/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking15.8%
Depression19.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain29.1 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,687 ft (514 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score6.55
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.3%
EV Stations9
Libraries3
Is Plainview a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plainview receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Plainview offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plainview is $56,100, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plainview is $86,900, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $818 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
Plainview 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 248 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Plainview experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches, including 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Plainview has a population of 1,241 with a density of 1,149 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.7% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Plainview vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.3%
68% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Plainview vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Plainview is $56,100, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,529 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 244 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Plainview vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,100 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,529 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,902 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 244 |
| County GDP | $738M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Plainview is $86,900, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,069, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $818 (30% 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. 65.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 583 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $4,155 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.1% 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 | $86,900 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,069 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $76 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $818 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.0% |
| Housing Units | 583 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.78% |
In Plainview, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 19.2% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438. The dentist ratio is 1:2,444. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plainview vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 19.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,438 |
| Dentists | 1:2,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,299 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,469/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Plainview has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 248 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 248, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Plainview receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Plainview vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 247.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 247.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Plainview experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°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 29.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.6 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 1,687 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,687 ft (514 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,149/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3533°N, 97.7871°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pierce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.1"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
102 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
27 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
42 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
48 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
524 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 216 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
70 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
77 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Plainview has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Plainview. 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 Plainview
What is the population of Plainview?
Plainview has a population of 1,241 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,149 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Plainview expensive to live in?
Plainview 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 $56,100, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,900 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $818 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 Plainview safe?
Plainview 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 248 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Plainview receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Plainview?
Plainview 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 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.1 inches, with 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Plainview?
Plainview has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 244 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plainview?
The median home value in Plainview is $86,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,069. For renters, the median monthly rent is $818. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,155.
How are the schools in Plainview?
Schools in Plainview score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Plainview hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plainview?
The obesity rate in Plainview is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 19.2% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438.
What is transportation like in Plainview?
The average commute in Plainview is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plainview?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plainview is 90.3% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 95.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.3% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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