Median Income
$74,833
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,900
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$967
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.5%
23% lower than US avg
How Platte Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population327
Median Age33.3 yrs
Density1,090/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,833
Per Capita$29,365
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.5%
County GDP$3,864M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,900
Rent$967
Ownership81.0%
Zillow$231,843
Housing Units136
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,702/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking12.8%
Depression17.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.2 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,536 ft (468 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute25 min
Broadband94.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Platte Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Platte Center receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Platte Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Platte Center is $74,833, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Platte Center is $118,900, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $967 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
Platte Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,702 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Platte Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Platte Center has a population of 327 with a density of 1,090 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 33.3 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.3yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Platte Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Platte Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Platte Center is $74,833, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,365 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,064, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,157 business establishments, including 79 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Platte Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,833 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,365 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,064 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,046 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.5% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,157 |
| County GDP | $3,864M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 150 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,302 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Platte Center is $118,900, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,843, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $967 (17% 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. 81.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 136 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $5,302 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% 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 | $118,900 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,843 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $967 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.0% |
| Housing Units | 136 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,302 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.46% |
In Platte Center, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 17.6% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,317. The dentist ratio is 1:1,905. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Platte Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 17.6% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 28.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,317 |
| Dentists | 1:1,905 |
| Mental Health | 1:427 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Platte Center has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,702 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Platte Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Platte Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 84.0/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,702.5/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Platte Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 308 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 28.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,536 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,536 ft (468 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,090/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5374°N, 97.4885°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Platte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.2"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
109 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
38 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
56 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
673 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 431 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
29 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Platte Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Platte Center. 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 Platte Center
What is the population of Platte Center?
Platte Center has a population of 327 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,090 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Platte Center expensive to live in?
Platte Center 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 $74,833, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,900 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $967 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 Platte Center safe?
Platte Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,702 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Platte Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Platte Center?
Platte Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Platte Center?
The job market in Platte Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,064. There are 1,157 business establishments in the area, including 79 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Platte Center?
The median home value in Platte Center is $118,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,843. For renters, the median monthly rent is $967. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,302.
How are the schools in Platte Center?
Schools in Platte Center score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Platte Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Platte Center?
The obesity rate in Platte Center is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 17.6% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,317.
What is transportation like in Platte Center?
The average commute in Platte Center is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Platte Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Platte Center is 92.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
