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Is Beatrice a Good Place to Live? Beatrice, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Beatrice ranks #916 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #168 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($758/mo, #10 of 231) and low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230), and trails on low household income ($57,264, #186 of 234) and high poverty (17.4%, #183 of 234).
Beatrice by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Beatrice's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Beatrice?
Beatrice's cost of living index is 86.3, 14% below the US level of 100 and #71 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $758/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $186,905, 33% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Beatrice | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 86.3#71 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $186,905#94 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,063/mo#41 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $159,300#105 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $758/mo#11 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15.9%#94 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Beatrice housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Beatrice is in the Beatrice, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Beatrice safe?
Beatrice recorded 73 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% below the US rate of 328 and 67% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #77 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #16 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Beatrice Police Department. Property crime runs 626 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Beatrice | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 73#77 of 1,085 | 218 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 626#61 of 1,085 | 1,379 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Beatrice?
The median household in Beatrice earns $57,264, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Nebraska ($76,376). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Beatrice | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $57,264#1098 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 17.4%#1006 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.6% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Beatrice?
The median resident of Beatrice is 41.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1134 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Beatrice | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 41.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.3%#1134 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 65.3% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Beatrice's schools and health?
Beatrice's 6 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 16.1 students per teacher and $12,530 spent per pupil. 42.5% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Beatrice | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 16.1#646 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,530#870 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 42.5%#1225 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.9%#250 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,119 students are enrolled in Beatrice's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Beatrice?
The average commute in Beatrice is 15.6 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0% of workers take transit and 2.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Beatrice scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.7°F and winters 27°F, with 31.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Beatrice | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 15.6 min#80 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 88% | 75.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 2.9% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9#835 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34.9 | 13.5 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 40 | 16.9 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 52.3 | 27.4 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 63.3 | 37.7 | 2.9 |
| May | 73.5 | 50.2 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 83.7 | 61.3 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 88.4 | 65.5 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 86.3 | 63 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 53.3 | 3 |
| Oct | 66.6 | 40.4 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 51.2 | 27.4 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 39 | 17.8 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Beatrice 1n.
| Measure | Beatrice | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 74.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 27°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 31.3 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Beatrice 1n.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Beatrice?
Gage County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Gage County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Beatrice | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#693 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Gage County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Gage County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.032% | 99% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.013% | 95% of counties |
| Hail | 0.011% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0068% | 81% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 37% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Beatrice compare with similar-size cities?
Beatrice is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #168 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 12,225.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #916 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 | 15.6 min |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #515 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data | 23.3 min |
| Pike Creek Valley, DEPop. 12,431 | #361 | 60.8 | $102,434 | $1,751/mo | no data | 20.7 min |
| Londonderry, NHPop. 12,225 | #140 | 66.7 | $119,571 | $1,952/mo | county/metro | 27.7 min |
| Portales, NMPop. 11,968 | #1249 | 42.5 | $50,555 | $903/mo | 419 | 12.3 min |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #823 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data | 16 min |
| Vermillion, SDPop. 11,878 | #1081 | 48.4 | $50,456 | $764/mo | 185 | 16.9 min |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #389 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 | 24.6 min |
| Evanston, WYPop. 11,800 | #614 | 56.5 | $76,516 | $805/mo | 163 | 17.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Beatrice compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Beatrice ranks #18 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 25% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Nebraska home.
| City | Rank in NE | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papillion, NEPop. 25,244 | #1 | 68.8 | $111,679 | $1,269/mo | 48 |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #2 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #3 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 |
| La Vista, NEPop. 16,563 | #4 | 60.4 | $81,961 | $1,317/mo | 67 |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #5 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #6 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #7 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #8 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #9 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #10 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 |
| Hastings, NEPop. 25,008 | #11 | 56.7 | $64,048 | $858/mo | 239 |
| Chalco, NEPop. 10,595 | #12 | 56.4 | $85,672 | $1,195/mo | no data |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #13 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 |
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #14 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #15 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #16 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #17 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #18 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #19 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 |
| Scottsbluff, NEPop. 14,376 | #20 | 45.7 | $56,359 | $966/mo | 672 |
All 20 Nebraska cities we track, by overall score. Nebraska statewide: median income $76,376, violent crime 218.4 per 100,000.
How is Beatrice's score calculated?
Beatrice scores 51.5 out of 100, #916 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Nebraska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Beatrice. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
19.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Beatrice's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
97.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Beatrice. Similar-size median 56.5.
43.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Beatrice's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
53.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Beatrice's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
89.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Beatrice. Similar-size median 50.8.
33.0 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Beatrice. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
31.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Beatrice. Similar-size median 48.3.
41.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Beatrice's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
60.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Beatrice's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Beatrice has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Beatrice
Is Beatrice, NE a good place to live?
Beatrice ranks #916 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #168 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($758/mo, #10 of 231) and low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230), and trails on low household income ($57,264, #186 of 234) and high poverty (17.4%, #183 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Beatrice?
Beatrice's cost of living index is 86.3, 14% below the US level of 100 and #71 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $758/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $186,905, 33% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Beatrice?
Beatrice recorded 73 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% below the US rate of 328 and 67% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #77 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #16 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Beatrice Police Department. Property crime runs 626 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Beatrice?
The median household in Beatrice earns $57,264, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Nebraska ($76,376). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Beatrice?
Median rent in Beatrice is $758/mo (Census), #11 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,063/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Beatrice?
The typical home value in Beatrice is $186,905, up 1.9% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $159,300.
How are the public schools in Beatrice?
Beatrice's 6 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 16.1 students per teacher and $12,530 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Beatrice?
The average commute is 15.6 minutes, #80 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Beatrice?
Beatrice averages 51.4°F over the year, 74.7°F in summer and 27°F in winter, with 31.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Beatrice walkable?
Beatrice scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Beatrice at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Gage County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Beatrice?
Gage County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Beatrice?
Beatrice has 12,225 residents. The median resident of Beatrice is 41.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1134 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Beatrice compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Beatrice ranks #18 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 25% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Beatrice?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Beatrice's population of 12,225 are Valley Falls, RI (#515 overall), Pike Creek Valley, DE (#361 overall), Londonderry, NH (#140 overall), Portales, NM (#1249 overall), and College, AK (#823 overall). Beatrice is #916.