Median Income
$57,917
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,300
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Royal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population40
Median Age70.0 yrs
Density286/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans40.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,917
Per Capita$46,765
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$777M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,300
Ownership93.1%
Zillow$257,145
Housing Units47
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property248/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Smoking16.1%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.1 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,878 ft (572 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute24 min
Broadband29.0%
Libraries6
Is Royal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Royal receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Royal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Royal is $57,917, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Royal is $61,300, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Royal 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
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Royal experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 23°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 26.1 inches, including 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Royal has a population of 40 with a density of 286 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 70.0 years, 80% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35% female and 65% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 40.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
70.0yrs
Median Age
80% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
The median household income in Royal is $57,917, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,765 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $918, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 284 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,917 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,765 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $918 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,688 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 284 |
| County GDP | $777M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Royal is $61,300, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,145, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 47 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,300 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $257,145 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.9% |
| Housing Units | 47 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.65% |
In Royal, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 19.1% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,139. The dentist ratio is 1:3,147. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Royal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,139 |
| Dentists | 1:3,147 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,576 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Royal has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 248 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. Overall, Royal receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Royal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 247.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Royal experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 23°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 26.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.7 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 1,878 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,878 ft (572 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 286/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3329°N, 98.1250°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Antelope County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.1"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
80 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
90 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
52 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
51 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
48 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
136 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
57 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
461 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 213 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1979 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
88 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
44 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
59 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
61 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Royal has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Royal. 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 Royal
What is the population of Royal?
Royal has a population of 40 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 286 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 70.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35% female and 65% male.
Is Royal expensive to live in?
Royal 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 $57,917, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,300 (78% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Royal safe?
Royal 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, Royal receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Royal?
Royal has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 26.1 inches, with 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Royal?
The unemployment rate in Royal is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $918. There are 284 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Royal?
The median home value in Royal is $61,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,145. The homeownership rate is 93.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,850.
How are the schools in Royal?
Schools in Royal score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.7% of adults in Royal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Royal?
The obesity rate in Royal is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,139.
What is transportation like in Royal?
The average commute in Royal is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Royal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Royal is 100% White. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 40.0% of the population are military veterans. 29.0% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.