Median Income
$62,083
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,100
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
457/100K
20% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.9%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,025
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Potter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population285
Median Age48.9 yrs
Density198/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,083
Per Capita$43,102
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$687M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,100
Rent$1,025
Ownership85.5%
Zillow$201,205
Housing Units169
Rent Burden30.5%
Crime
F
Violent457/100K
Property415/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking14.2%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain18.2 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation4,413 ft (1,345 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.9%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Potter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Potter receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Potter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Potter is $62,083, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Potter is $105,100, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,025 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 457 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 415 per 100,000, 79% below the national average.
Education
27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Potter experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.2 inches, including 28.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Potter has a population of 285 with a density of 198 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 48.9 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.9yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Potter is $62,083, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,102. The average weekly wage is $923, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 348 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,083 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,102 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $923 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 348 |
| County GDP | $687M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,517 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Potter is $105,100, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,205, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,025 (12% 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. 85.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,517 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $105,100 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,205 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,025 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.5% |
| Housing Units | 169 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,517 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.30% |
In Potter, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,906. The dentist ratio is 1:3,170. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Potter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,906 |
| Dentists | 1:3,170 |
| Mental Health | 1:734 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,905/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Potter has a violent crime rate of 457 per 100,000 residents, 20% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 415 per 100,000, 79% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Potter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Potter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 457.0/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 415.5/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Potter experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 74°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 18.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 28.8 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 4,413 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,413 ft (1,345 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 198/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2173°N, 103.3074°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cheyenne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field (BFF)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.2"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.99"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Mar 30, 2019.
| Jun 1, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Kersey, Colorado |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Mar 30, 2019 |
7 km NE of Greeley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Eaton, Colorado |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Jun 23, 2014 |
6 km NNE of Kersey, Colorado |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
578 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1955 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1991 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1985 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1974 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2003 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1998 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1994 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
CARTER CANYON |
15,828 |
72 km |
| 1989 |
MORRILL CO |
14,497 |
78 km |
| 2012 |
JEFFRIES |
8,853 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
SCHIFF |
6,714 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY CA |
6,367 |
34 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,239 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
5,258 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
SUGARLOAF |
4,075 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKEY |
3,961 |
53 km |
| 2020 |
HUBBARDS GAP |
3,435 |
49 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,275 |
79 km |
| 1986 |
W BLUE CREEK |
3,167 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
2,716 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
VISTA TREND CA |
2,669 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,261 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
CROSS CA |
2,247 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,134 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
SNAKE CRK |
1,912 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Potter has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 28°F in December to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.0") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Potter. 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 Potter
What is the population of Potter?
Potter has a population of 285 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 198 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Potter expensive to live in?
Potter 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 $62,083, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,100 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,025 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Potter safe?
The violent crime rate in Potter is 457 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 415 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Potter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Potter?
Potter has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.2 inches, with 28.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Potter?
The job market in Potter is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $923. There are 348 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Potter?
The median home value in Potter is $105,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,205. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,025. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,517.
How are the schools in Potter?
Schools in Potter score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.9% of adults in Potter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Potter?
The obesity rate in Potter is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,906.
What is transportation like in Potter?
The average commute in Potter is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Potter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Potter is 97.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 85.8% have health insurance coverage.
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