Median Income
$85,156
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$189,300
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
338/100K
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.8%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,563
34% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.2%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Sprague Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population140
Median Age36.0 yrs
Density1,400/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans76.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$85,156
Per Capita$30,194
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$28,815M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,300
Rent$1,563
Ownership84.2%
Zillow$525,350
Housing Units48
Rent Burden18.5%
Crime
F
Violent338/100K
Property3,349/100K
Health
Obesity31.2%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking10.3%
Depression18.4%
Heart Disease4.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,289 ft (393 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.8%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+10.8%
School Score6.52
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 51%
Commute29 min
Broadband57.0%
EV Stations51
Libraries9
Is Sprague a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sprague receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Sprague offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sprague is $85,156, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sprague is $189,300, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,563 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sprague is below the national average at 338 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sprague experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 25.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Sprague has a population of 140 with a density of 1,400 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 36.0 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40% female and 60% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 76.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.0yrs
Median Age
7% below 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 Sprague is $85,156, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,194 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,141, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,853 business establishments, including 794 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 19.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,156 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,194 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,141 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,036 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,853 |
| County GDP | $28,815M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 794 |
| Healthcare | 1,148 |
| Retail | 989 |
| Manufacturing | 246 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,896 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.0% |
The median home value in Sprague is $189,300, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $525,350, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,563 (34% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 48 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $6,896 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,300 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $525,350 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $149 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,563 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% |
| Housing Units | 48 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,896 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.64% |
In Sprague, 31.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.1% of residents, below the national average. 25.2% have high blood pressure. 10.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 22.9% report binge drinking. 15.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.4% report depression. 12.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,442. The dentist ratio is 1:936. 95.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sprague vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.2% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.2% |
| Asthma | 8.0% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.3% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.8% |
| Depression | 18.4% |
| Mental Distress | 12.9% |
| Physical Distress | 8.2% |
| Short Sleep | 28.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,442 |
| Dentists | 1:936 |
| Mental Health | 1:223 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,252/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,148 |
Sprague has a violent crime rate of 338 per 100,000 residents, 11% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 26 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sprague receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sprague vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 338.5/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,348.7/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sprague experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 31.0 inches. The area receives 25.3 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 1,289 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,289 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,400/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6266°N, 96.7447°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lancaster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0455 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 26, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km SSW of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
60 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Aug 31, 2017 |
7 km S of Courtland, Kansas |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Aug 29, 2023 |
7 km WSW of Formoso, Kansas |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Mar 26, 2025 |
5 km WSW of Formoso, Kansas |
M2.6 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
699 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 454 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK CREEK (1,433 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Sprague has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Sprague. 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 | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sprague
What is the population of Sprague?
Sprague has a population of 140 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,400 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40% female and 60% male.
Is Sprague expensive to live in?
Sprague 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 $85,156, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,300 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,563 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sprague safe?
Sprague is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 338 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sprague receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sprague?
Sprague has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.0 inches, with 25.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Sprague?
The unemployment rate in Sprague is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,141. There are 9,853 business establishments in the area, including 794 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 19.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sprague?
The median home value in Sprague is $189,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $525,350. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,563. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,896.
How are the schools in Sprague?
Schools in Sprague score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.8% of adults in Sprague hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sprague?
The obesity rate in Sprague is 31.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.3% of adults are smokers. 15.8% are physically inactive. 18.4% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 95.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,442.
What is transportation like in Sprague?
The average commute in Sprague is 29 minutes. 74.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sprague?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sprague is 97.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 76.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
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