Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$24,600
91% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,075/100K
183% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.6%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$410
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Steele City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population68
Median Age56.3 yrs
Density296/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans56.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$24,865
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$557M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$24,600
Rent$410
Ownership59.0%
Zillow$134,921
Housing Units55
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,075/100K
Property3,349/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Smoking13.7%
Depression18.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,299 ft (396 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.6%
High School+78.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute31 min
Broadband39.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries3
Is Steele City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Steele City receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Steele City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Steele City is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Steele City is $24,600, 91% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $410 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,075 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
3.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Steele City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches, including 20.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Steele City has a population of 68 with a density of 296 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 56.3 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (80.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 56.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.3yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Steele City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Steele City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Steele City is $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,865 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 276 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Steele City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,865 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,823 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $557M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,925 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 15.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Steele City is $24,600, 91% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,921, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $410 (65% 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. 59.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 55 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,925. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $24,600 |
| 91% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $134,921 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $410 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.0% |
| Housing Units | 55 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,925 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 15.96% |
In Steele City, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 18.7% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,794. The dentist ratio is 1:2,385. 56.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Steele City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 18.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,794 |
| Dentists | 1:2,385 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,411 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,590/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Steele City has a violent crime rate of 1,075 per 100,000 residents, 183% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Steele City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Steele City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,075.1/100K |
| 183% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,349.3/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Steele City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°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 32.4 inches. The area receives 20.7 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 1,299 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,299 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 296/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0366°N, 97.0230°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.9 / 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 |
Relatively 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
110 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.5 on May 15, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
99 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
102 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
90 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
97 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
678 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 223 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RANGE 51 (13,760 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
7,758 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,465 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
IMPACT |
7,242 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,159 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
CALFEX COMPLEX |
5,122 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,425 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
68 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,595 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
KILO |
3,242 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON HILL ROAD |
2,850 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,544 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,492 |
86 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,083 |
90 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,985 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
1,869 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Steele City has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Steele City. 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 Steele City
What is the population of Steele City?
Steele City has a population of 68 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 296 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Steele City expensive to live in?
Steele City 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 $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $24,600 (91% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $410 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Steele City safe?
Public safety is a concern in Steele City, with a violent crime rate of 1,075 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Steele City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Steele City?
Steele City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches, with 20.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Steele City?
The job market in Steele City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Steele City?
The median home value in Steele City is $24,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,921. For renters, the median monthly rent is $410. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,925.
How are the schools in Steele City?
Schools in Steele City score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.6% of adults in Steele City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Steele City?
The obesity rate in Steele City is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 18.7% of residents report depression. 56.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,794.
What is transportation like in Steele City?
The average commute in Steele City is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Steele City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Steele City is 80.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 56.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
