Median Income
$72,750
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$190,500
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
44/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$735
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Valparaiso Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population553
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density988/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$72,750
Per Capita$37,387
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$1,090M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$190,500
Rent$735
Ownership85.6%
Zillow$375,573
Housing Units258
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent44/100K
Property1,907/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking13.8%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain31.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,305 ft (398 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute32 min
Broadband80.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Valparaiso a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valparaiso receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Valparaiso offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Valparaiso is $72,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valparaiso is $190,500, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $735 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Valparaiso is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,907 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Valparaiso 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 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.6 inches, including 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Valparaiso has a population of 553 with a density of 988 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.8% female and 56.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Valparaiso 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
Valparaiso vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Valparaiso is $72,750, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,387. The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 656 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Valparaiso vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,750 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,387 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $960 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,730 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 656 |
| County GDP | $1,090M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,137 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Valparaiso is $190,500, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,573, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $735 (37% 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. 85.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 258 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $6,137 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $190,500 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $375,573 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $735 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.4% |
| Housing Units | 258 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,137 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.22% |
In Valparaiso, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 24.1% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,279. The dentist ratio is 1:3,303. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Valparaiso vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,279 |
| Dentists | 1:3,303 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,346 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,667/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Valparaiso has a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,907 per 100,000, 3% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Valparaiso receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Valparaiso vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 44.4/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,907.3/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Valparaiso 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 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 31.6 inches. The area receives 34.4 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 1,305 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,305 ft (398 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 988/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0801°N, 96.8336°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Saunders County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.6"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.1 / 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 |
Very 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
6 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 |
111 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
85 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
700 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 549 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
100 km |
4 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (629 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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 |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Valparaiso 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 (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso
What is the population of Valparaiso?
Valparaiso has a population of 553 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 988 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.8% female and 56.2% male.
Is Valparaiso expensive to live in?
Valparaiso 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 $72,750, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $190,500 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $735 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Valparaiso safe?
Valparaiso is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,907 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Valparaiso receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Valparaiso?
Valparaiso 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 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.6 inches, with 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Valparaiso?
The job market in Valparaiso is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 656 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Valparaiso?
The median home value in Valparaiso is $190,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,573. For renters, the median monthly rent is $735. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,137.
How are the schools in Valparaiso?
Schools in Valparaiso score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.1% of adults in Valparaiso hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Valparaiso?
The obesity rate in Valparaiso is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,279.
What is transportation like in Valparaiso?
The average commute in Valparaiso is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Valparaiso?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Valparaiso is 97.5% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
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