Median Income
$36,250
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
250/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
102% higher than US avg
How Seneca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population28
Median Age51.0 yrs
Density93/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans28.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,250
Per Capita$27,164
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty25.0%
County GDP$39M
Housing
Ownership39.1%
Zillow$119,255
Housing Units48
Rent Burden14.8%
Crime
F
Violent250/100K
Property821/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Smoking16.1%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,969 ft (905 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+73.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.75
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Broadband23.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Seneca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Seneca receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Seneca has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Seneca is $36,250, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 25.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Seneca is below the national average at 250 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 821 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Seneca experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches, including 41.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Seneca has a population of 28 with a density of 93 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 51.0 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.1% female and 67.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 7.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 28.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 36.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.0yrs
Median Age
31% 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 Seneca is $36,250, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,164 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $648, 55% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 31 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,250 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $648 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,603 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.0% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 31 |
| County GDP | $39M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 93.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,255. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 39.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 48 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 14.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 39.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 60.9% |
| Housing Units | 48 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Seneca, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.6% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:367. The dentist ratio is 1:686. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Seneca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:367 |
| Dentists | 1:686 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
Seneca has a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 821 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. Overall, Seneca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Seneca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 249.8/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 820.8/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Seneca experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°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 24.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,969 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,969 ft (905 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 93/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0439°N, 100.8321°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hooker County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.3"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 0.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Jan 1, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
140 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
97 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
28 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
40 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
61 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
29 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
208 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1961 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1989 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1961 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1961 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1986 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1981 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,236 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
77,236 |
5 km |
| 2024 |
BETTY'S WAY |
68,425 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
POWDER HORN |
48,608 |
69 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
27,237 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
BOVEE |
18,875 |
41 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
17,990 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
VAL COMP |
15,513 |
51 km |
| 1990 |
GOOSECREEK |
8,408 |
55 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
7,980 |
16 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,793 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
6,693 |
40 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,681 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
HARVEST CA |
6,526 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY SOUTH RX |
6,463 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR CORNERS |
6,241 |
43 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,014 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,982 |
56 km |
| 2018 |
NEBRASKA RX |
5,624 |
43 km |
| 2022 |
LEACH CA |
5,195 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Seneca has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Seneca. 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 Seneca
What is the population of Seneca?
Seneca has a population of 28 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 93 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 32.1% female and 67.9% male.
Is Seneca expensive to live in?
Seneca 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 $36,250, 52% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Seneca safe?
Seneca is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 821 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Seneca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Seneca?
Seneca has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.3 inches, with 41.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Seneca?
The job market in Seneca is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $648. There are 31 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Seneca?
Schools in Seneca score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Seneca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Seneca?
The obesity rate in Seneca is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:367.
What are the demographics of Seneca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Seneca is 92.9% White, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 28.0% of the population are military veterans. 36.7% of residents have a disability. 90.0% have health insurance coverage.
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