Median Income
$46,667
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,700
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
53/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.3%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$596
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Western Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population232
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density473/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,667
Per Capita$27,659
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,293M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,700
Rent$596
Ownership85.3%
Zillow$199,824
Housing Units118
Rent Burden13.3%
Crime
F
Violent53/100K
Property693/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking14.3%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,492 ft (455 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.3%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.33
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute28 min
Broadband66.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Western a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Western receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Western offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Western is $46,667, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Western is $61,700, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $596 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Western is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 693 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
15.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Western 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.
Western has a population of 232 with a density of 473 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Western is $46,667, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,659 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,056, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (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 386 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 7.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,667 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,659 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,056 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 386 |
| County GDP | $1,293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,556 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
The median home value in Western is $61,700, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,824, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $596 (49% 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. 85.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,556 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,700 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,824 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $596 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.7% |
| Housing Units | 118 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,556 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.38% |
In Western, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,365. The dentist ratio is 1:1,764. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Western vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,365 |
| Dentists | 1:1,764 |
| Mental Health | 1:910 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,922/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Western has a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 693 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Western receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Western vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 53.3/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 693.3/100K |
| 65% below 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 |
Western 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 1,492 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 | 1,492 ft (455 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 473/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3931°N, 97.1984°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Saline County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
86 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
93 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
107 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
100 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
109 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
741 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 221 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1986 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,819 ac, 1996).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
95 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
35 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°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) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Western has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Western. 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 Western
What is the population of Western?
Western has a population of 232 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 473 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Western expensive to live in?
Western 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 $46,667, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,700 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $596 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Western safe?
Western is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 693 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Western receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Western?
Western 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 Western?
Western has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,056. There are 386 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 7.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Western?
The median home value in Western is $61,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,824. For renters, the median monthly rent is $596. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,556.
How are the schools in Western?
Schools in Western score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.3% of adults in Western hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Western?
The obesity rate in Western is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,365.
What is transportation like in Western?
The average commute in Western is 28 minutes. 76.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Western?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Western is 94.8% White. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
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