Median Income
$106,750
42% higher than US avg
Home Value
$515,100
83% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.1%
49% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,053
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,113
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density586/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$106,750
Per Capita$67,035
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$73,771M
Commute27 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$515,100
Rent$1,053
Ownership74.6%
Zillow$537,690
Housing Units1,498
Rent Burden40.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property273/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured4.1%
Smoking11.4%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain33.1 in/yr
Elevation1,138 ft (347 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.1%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+19.8%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute27 min
Broadband93.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries18
Is Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valley receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Valley stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Valley is $106,750, which is significantly higher than the national average / 42% above $75,149. This places Valley among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valley is $515,100, making it a premium housing market at 83% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,053 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Valley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 273 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
Valley is a highly educated community / 50.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 31.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Valley has a population of 3,113 with a density of 586 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 3.2% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,113
Total Population
2023 Census
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Valley is $106,750, which is 42% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $67,035 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,305. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 18,801 business establishments, including 1,556 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 23.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $106,750 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $67,035 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,305 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,494 |
| Gini Index | 0.479 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 18,801 |
| County GDP | $73,771M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,556 |
| Healthcare | 2,146 |
| Retail | 1,672 |
| Manufacturing | 386 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,507 |
| 143% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.6% |
The median home value in Valley is $515,100, 83% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $537,690. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $235,000 with homes selling in an average of 71 days. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,053 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $732 for a one-bedroom to $961 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,498 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $8,507 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $515,100 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $537,690 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $235,000 |
| Median List Price | $708,505 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $235,000 |
| Median List Price | $708,505 |
| $/Sq Ft | $220 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Days on Market | 71 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,053 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $666 |
| 1 Bedroom | $732 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $961 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,152 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,284 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,498 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,507 |
| 143% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.65% |
In Valley, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 11.4% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 17.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.2% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:920. The dentist ratio is 1:985. 97.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 8.6% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.4% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.2% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 9.5% |
| Short Sleep | 27.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 4.1% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:920 |
| Dentists | 1:985 |
| Mental Health | 1:189 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 74.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,599/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,146 |
Valley has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 273 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 37 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Valley receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 272.6/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 37 |
| Traffic Accidents | 87 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. The area receives 31.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. 64% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,138 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,138 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 586/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3118°N, 96.3555°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.1"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 63.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0467 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.91 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
109 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 |
88 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 515 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
29 km |
3 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
58 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Valley. 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 Valley
What is the population of Valley?
Valley has a population of 3,113 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 586 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Valley expensive to live in?
Valley 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 $106,750, 42% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $515,100 (83% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,053 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Valley safe?
Valley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 273 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Valley receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Valley?
Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.1 inches, with 31.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Valley?
The job market in Valley is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,305. There are 18,801 business establishments in the area, including 1,556 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 23.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Valley?
The median home value in Valley is $515,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $537,690. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $235,000, with homes typically selling within 71 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,053. Fair market rent is $732 for a 1-bedroom and $961 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.6%. The average annual property tax is $8,507.
How are the schools in Valley?
Schools in Valley score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.1% of adults in Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 19.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Valley?
The obesity rate in Valley is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.4% of adults are smokers. 17.2% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 4.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 97.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:920.
What is transportation like in Valley?
The average commute in Valley is 27 minutes. 66.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Valley is 95.5% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.