Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,000
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Scotia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population412
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density1,177/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$28,488
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$192M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,000
Rent$575
Ownership76.8%
Zillow$90,668
Housing Units181
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property4,359/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking15.4%
Depression18.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.0 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,931 ft (589 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.89
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Scotia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scotia 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 below-average incomes. Scotia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scotia is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 13.6% 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 Scotia is $89,000, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 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
Violent crime in Scotia is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Scotia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.0 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Scotia has a population of 412 with a density of 1,177 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Scotia is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,488 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $829, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 121 business establishments, including 4 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). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,488 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $829 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,773 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 121 |
| County GDP | $192M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Scotia is $89,000, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $90,668. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% 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. 76.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 181 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. 18.1% 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 | $89,000 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $90,668 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.2% |
| Housing Units | 181 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
In Scotia, 35.0% 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. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 18.5% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scotia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 18.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,219 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Scotia has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Scotia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Scotia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,358.9/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Scotia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°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 26.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.9 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 1,931 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,931 ft (589 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,177/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4678°N, 98.7024°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Greeley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.0"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 24, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
8 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
21 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
618 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 389 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1961 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
86 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
39 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1984 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,883 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
71 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
65 km |
| 2023 |
DEL PORTO |
2,856 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Scotia has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Scotia. 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 Scotia
What is the population of Scotia?
Scotia has a population of 412 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,177 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Scotia expensive to live in?
Scotia 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 $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,000 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 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 Scotia safe?
Scotia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Scotia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Scotia?
Scotia has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.0 inches, with 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Scotia?
The job market in Scotia is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $829. There are 121 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scotia?
The median home value in Scotia is $89,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $90,668. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.8%.
How are the schools in Scotia?
Schools in Scotia score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Scotia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scotia?
The obesity rate in Scotia is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 18.5% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Scotia?
The average commute in Scotia is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scotia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scotia is 94.9% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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