Median Income
$106,563
42% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.3%
7% higher than US avg
How Surprise Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population41
Median Age52.1 yrs
Density105/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 54%
Veterans30.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$106,563
Per Capita$29,941
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty13.3%
County GDP$584M
Commute19 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$239,980
Housing Units17
Rent Burden22.8%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,118/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Smoking15.1%
Depression17.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,534 ft (468 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute19 min
Broadband15.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Surprise a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Surprise receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Surprise has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Surprise is $106,563, which is significantly higher than the national average / 42% above $75,149. This places Surprise among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Surprise is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Surprise 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 28.3 inches, including 24.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Surprise has a population of 41 with a density of 105 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 52.1 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly White (53.7%), with 24.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 30.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.1yrs
Median Age
34% 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 Surprise is $106,563, which is 42% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,941 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,045, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 276 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $106,563 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,941 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,045 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,729 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $584M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,240 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,980. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 17 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,240. 22.8% 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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 17 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,240 |
| 7% below US avg |
In Surprise, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 24.1% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 17.4% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,407. The dentist ratio is 1:4,213. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Surprise vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 17.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,407 |
| Dentists | 1:4,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,459 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,602/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Surprise has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Surprise receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Surprise vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 83.9/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,118.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Surprise 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 28.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.3 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 1,534 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,534 ft (468 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 105/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1044°N, 97.3090°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Butler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.3"
26% 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 | 24.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.9 / 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 Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 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 |
144 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
106 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
10 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
10 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
132 km |
| Sep 3, 2023 |
10 km SSW of Lawrence, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Mar 17, 2024 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
133 km |
| Aug 20, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
748 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 556 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
78 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Surprise has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Surprise. 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 Surprise
What is the population of Surprise?
Surprise has a population of 41 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 105 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Surprise expensive to live in?
Surprise 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 $106,563, 42% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Surprise safe?
Surprise is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Surprise receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Surprise?
Surprise 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 28.3 inches, with 24.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Surprise?
The unemployment rate in Surprise is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,045. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 17.6% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Surprise?
Schools in Surprise score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Surprise hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Surprise?
The obesity rate in Surprise is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 17.4% of residents report depression. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,407.
What is transportation like in Surprise?
The average commute in Surprise is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Surprise?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Surprise is 53.7% White, 24.4% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 30.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
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