NebraskaPop. 8,550Towns
Is Gering a Good Place to Live? Gering, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gering ranks #672 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #112 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230) and low rents ($823/mo, #29 of 231), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Gering by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gering'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 Gering?
Gering'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 $823/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $214,930, 23% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Gering | 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 | $214,930#152 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $186,500#189 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $823/mo#38 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 13.2%#21 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.
Gering 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. Gering is in the Scottsbluff, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Gering safe?
Gering recorded 105 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% below the US rate of 328 and 52% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #135 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #27 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gering Police Department. Property crime runs 492 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gering | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 105#135 of 1,085 | 218 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 492#23 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 Gering?
The median household in Gering earns $75,093, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Nebraska ($76,376). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gering | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $75,093#701 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.4%#679 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 Gering?
The median resident of Gering is 35.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gering | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 35.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 32.6%#695 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 72.3% | 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 Gering's schools and health?
Gering's 5 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $11,616 spent per pupil. 38.6% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Gering | 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 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $11,616#1003 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38.6%#1047 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.4%#187 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 11.3%#811 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. 1,894 students are enrolled in Gering's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gering?
The average commute in Gering is 15.1 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0.2% of workers take transit and 3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gering scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.3°F and winters 29°F, with 15.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gering | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 15.1 min#63 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 88.8% | 75.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.9% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.3#982 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 | 41.7 | 14.9 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 44.6 | 17 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 54.9 | 25 | 1 |
| Apr | 62.3 | 32.6 | 1.9 |
| May | 71.9 | 43.5 | 2.8 |
| Jun | 83.9 | 53.6 | 2.5 |
| Jul | 90.7 | 59.8 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 88.8 | 57.3 | 1.2 |
| Sep | 79.9 | 47.1 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 64.9 | 33.6 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 51.7 | 22.7 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 41.6 | 14.4 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Scottsbluff W B Heilig Fld Airport.
| Measure | Gering | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 72.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 29°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 15.7 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 Scottsbluff W B Heilig Fld Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gering?
Scotts Bluff County's air had a median air quality index of 23, and 96% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Scotts Bluff County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 69% of US counties.
| Measure | Gering | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 23#36 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.19%#902 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 Scotts Bluff County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Scotts Bluff County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.074% | 100% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0018% | 91% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0014% | 62% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0077% | 46% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 44% 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 Gering compare with similar-size cities?
Gering is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #112 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,550.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #672 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 | 15.1 min |
| Kalifornsky, AKPop. 8,663 | #687 | 55.3 | $93,508 | $1,394/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Ellsworth, MEPop. 8,657 | #328 | 61.5 | $77,375 | $1,017/mo | 67 | 24.5 min |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #129 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #276 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Seaford, DEPop. 8,485 | #1167 | 46.2 | $54,016 | $1,176/mo | 641 | 28.1 min |
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 | 19 min |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #852 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 | 18.6 min |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #713 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 | 10.8 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 Gering compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Gering ranks #13 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 2% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% 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 Gering's score calculated?
Gering scores 55.6 out of 100, #672 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 Gering. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
34.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gering's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
96.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gering. Similar-size median 56.5.
51.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gering's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
53.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gering's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gering. Similar-size median 50.8.
50.0 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gering. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
28.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gering. Similar-size median 48.3.
41.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gering's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
62.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gering'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 Gering 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 Gering
Is Gering, NE a good place to live?
Gering ranks #672 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #112 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230) and low rents ($823/mo, #29 of 231), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Gering?
Gering'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 $823/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $214,930, 23% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Gering?
Gering recorded 105 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% below the US rate of 328 and 52% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #135 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #27 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gering Police Department. Property crime runs 492 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gering?
The median household in Gering earns $75,093, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Nebraska ($76,376). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gering?
Median rent in Gering is $823/mo (Census), #38 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 13.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gering?
The typical home value in Gering is $214,930, up 2.8% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $186,500.
How are the public schools in Gering?
Gering's 5 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $11,616 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gering?
The average commute is 15.1 minutes, #63 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gering?
Gering averages 49.9°F over the year, 72.3°F in summer and 29°F in winter, with 15.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gering walkable?
Gering scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Gering at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Scotts Bluff County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 69% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Gering?
Scotts Bluff County's air had a median air quality index of 23, and 96% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Gering?
Gering has 8,550 residents. The median resident of Gering is 35.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gering compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Gering ranks #13 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 2% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Gering?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gering's population of 8,550 are Kalifornsky, AK (#687 overall), Ellsworth, ME (#328 overall), Cumberland Hill, RI (#129 overall), Harrisburg, SD (#276 overall), and Seaford, DE (#1167 overall). Gering is #672.