Median Income
$70,000
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$232,500
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
28/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.2%
10% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$986
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Seward Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,665
Median Age30.9 yrs
Density1,742/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,000
Per Capita$32,685
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$1,090M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$232,500
Rent$986
Ownership59.5%
Zillow$301,686
Housing Units2,834
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent28/100K
Property552/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault14/100K
Burglary41/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking13.9%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.7 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,493 ft (455 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.2%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+11.9%
School Score6.52
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute18 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Seward a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Seward receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Seward offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Seward is $70,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Seward is $232,500, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $986 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Seward is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 28 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 552 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Seward experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches, including 21.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Seward has a population of 7,665 with a density of 1,742 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 30.9 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.9yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Seward is $70,000, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,685 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $995, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 516 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,000 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,685 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $995 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.374 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 516 |
| County GDP | $1,090M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,158 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Seward is $232,500, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,686, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $986 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $756 for a one-bedroom to $967 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,834 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $5,158 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $232,500 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $301,686 |
| Median List Price | $219,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $219,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $144 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.3% |
| Price Drops | 11.1% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $986 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $756 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $967 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,345 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,834 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,158 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Seward, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 19.6% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,600. The dentist ratio is 1:2,211. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Seward vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,600 |
| Dentists | 1:2,211 |
| Mental Health | 1:631 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,490/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Seward has a violent crime rate of 28 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 13.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 13.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 552 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 469, burglary at 41, vehicle theft at 41 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Seward receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Seward vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 27.6/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 13.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 13.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 551.7/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Burglary | 41.4/100K |
| Theft | 469.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 41.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 76 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Seward experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°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 28.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.5 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 1,493 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,493 ft (455 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,742/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9092°N, 97.0961°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Seward County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.7"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M3.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 24, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
10 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Aug 31, 2017 |
7 km S of Courtland, Kansas |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Sep 3, 2023 |
10 km SSW of Lawrence, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
715 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 447 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK CREEK (1,433 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Seward has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Seward. 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 Seward
What is the population of Seward?
Seward has a population of 7,665 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,742 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Seward expensive to live in?
Seward 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 $70,000, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $232,500 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $986 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Seward safe?
Seward is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 28 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 552 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Seward receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Seward?
Seward has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.7 inches, with 21.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Seward?
The job market in Seward is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $995. There are 516 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Seward?
The median home value in Seward is $232,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,686. For renters, the median monthly rent is $986. Fair market rent is $756 for a 1-bedroom and $967 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,158.
How are the schools in Seward?
Schools in Seward score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.2% of adults in Seward hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 11.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Seward?
The obesity rate in Seward is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,600.
What is transportation like in Seward?
The average commute in Seward is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Seward?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Seward is 95% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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