Median Income
$67,500
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$36,900
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
208/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.4%
8% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Whitney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population57
Median Age62.1 yrs
Density356/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans55.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,500
Per Capita$34,670
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$395M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$36,900
Ownership90.6%
Zillow$296,265
Housing Units52
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent208/100K
Property1,871/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking14.5%
Depression17.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain15.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation3,411 ft (1,040 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.4%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score6.15
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute21 min
Broadband32.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Whitney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whitney receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Whitney offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whitney is $67,500, 10% 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 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Whitney is $36,900, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Whitney is below the national average at 208 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,871 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Whitney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Whitney has a population of 57 with a density of 356 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 62.1 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 55.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 33.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.1yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Whitney is $67,500, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,670 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $799, 44% 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 301 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,500 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,670 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $799 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,642 |
| Gini Index | 0.378 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 301 |
| County GDP | $395M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 11.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Whitney is $36,900, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,265, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,113 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $36,900 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,265 |
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 | 90.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.4% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 11.15% |
In Whitney, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 17.3% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,358. The dentist ratio is 1:824. 89.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whitney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 17.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,358 |
| Dentists | 1:824 |
| Mental Health | 1:290 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.8% |
| Dental Visits | 53.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,706/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Whitney has a violent crime rate of 208 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,871 per 100,000, 5% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Whitney receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Whitney vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 207.9/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,870.8/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Whitney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 302 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 15.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 3,411 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,411 ft (1,040 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 356/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7838°N, 103.2567°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dawes County County |
| Nearest Airport | Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field (BFF) 65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.2"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on May 28, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
124 km |
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
85 km |
| Apr 9, 1996 |
34 km SW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
76 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
13 km WNW of Hill City, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
10 km E of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
27 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| May 3, 1996 |
32 km SSW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
22 km ESE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
81 km |
| Nov 2, 1992 |
5 km ESE of Lusk, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Jan 6, 2018 |
7 km SW of Guernsey, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
85 km |
| Mar 10, 2011 |
22 km N of Van Tassell, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
68 km |
| Mar 18, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Hot Springs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
238 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1994 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1978 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2020 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2016 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2012 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
44 km |
1 |
| Aug 17, 1983 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1983 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1983 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1982 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1982 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1980 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1978 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WELLNITZ (77,277 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
WELLNITZ |
77,277 |
52 km |
| 2012 |
WEST ASH |
55,228 |
13 km |
| 2017 |
LEGION LAKE |
54,868 |
99 km |
| 1989 |
FT.ROBINSON |
46,887 |
29 km |
| 2006 |
SIOUX COUNTY COMPLEX |
39,567 |
46 km |
| 2012 |
DOUTHIT |
29,036 |
27 km |
| 2006 |
DAWES COUNTY COMPLEX |
27,923 |
19 km |
| 2007 |
STAMPEDE |
22,848 |
59 km |
| 1985 |
FLINT HILLS |
21,062 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
SIMMONS |
20,950 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
FREEMAN |
19,121 |
68 km |
| 1985 |
4TH OFJULY |
18,177 |
59 km |
| 2012 |
HAY CANYON |
17,815 |
62 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,279 |
72 km |
| 2016 |
INDIAN CANYON |
13,791 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
CASINO |
11,583 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
WARBONNET |
11,504 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
GRASS CK3 |
11,125 |
77 km |
| 2001 |
WEST HELL CANYON |
11,097 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
ALABAUGH |
10,650 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Whitney has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Whitney. 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 Whitney
What is the population of Whitney?
Whitney has a population of 57 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 356 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Whitney expensive to live in?
Whitney 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 $67,500, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $36,900 (87% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Whitney safe?
Whitney is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 208 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,871 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Whitney receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Whitney?
Whitney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Whitney?
The job market in Whitney is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $799. There are 301 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whitney?
The median home value in Whitney is $36,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,265. The homeownership rate is 90.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,113.
How are the schools in Whitney?
Schools in Whitney score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.4% of adults in Whitney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whitney?
The obesity rate in Whitney is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 17.3% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 89.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,358.
What is transportation like in Whitney?
The average commute in Whitney is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whitney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitney is 100% White. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 55.0% of the population are military veterans. 33.9% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.