Median Income
$51,704
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,300
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
348/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$914
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Sidney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,396
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density854/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,704
Per Capita$30,679
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$88M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,300
Rent$914
Ownership57.6%
Zillow$164,398
Housing Units3,234
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent348/100K
Property2,385/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault300/100K
Burglary237/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking16.6%
Depression18.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain15.8 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation4,090 ft (1,247 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute12 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Sidney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sidney receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Sidney offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sidney is $51,704, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sidney is $137,300, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sidney is below the national average at 348 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,385 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sidney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 28°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 15.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Sidney has a population of 6,396 with a density of 854 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 3.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Sidney is $51,704, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,679 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $761, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 78 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,704 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,679 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $761 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,699 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 78 |
| County GDP | $88M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Sidney is $137,300, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,398, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $914 (21% 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. 57.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,234 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,300 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,398 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $914 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.4% |
| Housing Units | 3,234 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
In Sidney, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.8% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:951. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sidney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 18.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:951 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,402/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.1% |
Sidney has a violent crime rate of 348 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 300.1 per 100,000, robbery at 15.8, rape at 31.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,385 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,959, burglary at 237, vehicle theft at 190 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sidney receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sidney vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 347.5/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 31.6/100K |
| Robbery | 15.8/100K |
| Assault | 300.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,385.1/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
| Burglary | 236.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,958.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 189.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sidney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 28°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 15.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 4,090 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,090 ft (1,247 m) |
| Area | 6.9 sq mi (17.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 854/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1336°N, 102.9695°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Deuel County County |
| Nearest Airport | Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field (BFF)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.8"
58% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Oct 18, 2012.
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
538 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 29 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1991 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1985 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1974 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
57 km |
2 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2003 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1994 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1988 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1983 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 1980 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1978 |
EF2 |
67 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 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
CARTER CANYON |
15,828 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
TURNER TATANKA |
15,749 |
90 km |
| 1989 |
MORRILL CO |
14,497 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
KEITH COUNTY COMPLEX |
13,526 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
JEFFRIES |
8,853 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
SCHIFF |
6,714 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
DRYWELLS |
6,492 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY CA |
6,367 |
54 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,239 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
RED KATE |
6,115 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
SUGARLOAF |
4,075 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKEY |
3,961 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
HUBBARDS GAP |
3,435 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,275 |
71 km |
| 1986 |
W BLUE CREEK |
3,167 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
2,716 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,261 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
CROSS CA |
2,247 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Sidney has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 28°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Sidney. 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 Sidney
What is the population of Sidney?
Sidney has a population of 6,396 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 854 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Sidney expensive to live in?
Sidney 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 $51,704, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,300 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sidney safe?
Sidney is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 348 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,385 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sidney receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sidney?
Sidney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 28°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 15.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Sidney?
The job market in Sidney is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $761. There are 78 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sidney?
The median home value in Sidney is $137,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,398. For renters, the median monthly rent is $914. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.6%.
How are the schools in Sidney?
Schools in Sidney score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Sidney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sidney?
The obesity rate in Sidney is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 18.8% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Sidney?
The average commute in Sidney is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sidney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sidney is 90.2% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
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