NebraskaPop. 52,884Smaller cities
Is Grand Island a Good Place to Live? Grand Island, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Grand Island ranks #773 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #329 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.7, #17 of 524) and low rents ($947/mo, #24 of 524), and trails on low household income ($63,795, #406 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
Grand Island by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Grand Island'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 Grand Island?
Grand Island's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $947/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $253,838, 10% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Grand Island | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 86.7#87 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $253,838#261 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,322/mo#182 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $218,600#291 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $947/mo#148 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.8%#222 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Grand Island 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. Grand Island is in the Grand Island, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Grand Island safe?
Grand Island recorded 386 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 328 and 77% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #698 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #309 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Island Police Department. Property crime runs 1,718 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Grand Island | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 386#698 of 1,085 | 218 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,718#584 of 1,085 | 1,379 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Grand Island?
The median household in Grand Island earns $63,795, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 15.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Grand Island | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $63,795#956 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15.2%#874 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Grand Island?
The median resident of Grand Island is 34.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Grand Island | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 20.9%#1142 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 57.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Grand Island's schools and health?
Grand Island's 20 public schools graduate 85.9% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15 students per teacher and $13,308 spent per pupil. 41.5% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Grand Island | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85.9%#691 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15#464 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,308#793 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41.5%#1185 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.6%#715 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.4%#187 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 17.5%#1163 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,723 students are enrolled in Grand Island's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Grand Island?
The average commute in Grand Island is 16.9 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0.6% of workers take transit and 4.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Grand Island scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.8°F and winters 28.2°F, with 26.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Grand Island | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.9 min#131 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5%#570 of 1,312 | 4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.5% | 75.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 4.2% | 9.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.9#851 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 36.1 | 15.6 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 40.4 | 19.1 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 52.6 | 28.8 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 63.3 | 38.6 | 2.5 |
| May | 73.4 | 50.5 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 84.4 | 61.1 | 4 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 65.8 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 85.8 | 63.5 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 79.3 | 53.9 | 2 |
| Oct | 65.6 | 40.6 | 2 |
| Nov | 51.1 | 28.1 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 38.9 | 18.9 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Grand Is Cntrl Ne Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Grand Island | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 28.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 26.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Grand Is Cntrl Ne Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Grand Island?
Hall County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hall County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Grand Island | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.21%#952 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hall County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hall County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.03% | 98% of counties |
| Hail | 0.021% | 95% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0062% | 89% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 82% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0034% | 65% 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 Grand Island compare with similar-size cities?
Grand Island is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #329 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 52,884.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #773 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 | 16.9 min |
| Minnetonka, MNPop. 53,064 | #33 | 71.8 | $119,517 | $1,779/mo | 101 | 19.3 min |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #894 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 | 22.6 min |
| Wheaton, MDPop. 52,926 | #259 | 63.0 | $111,478 | $2,163/mo | no data | 31.6 min |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #461 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 | 30.9 min |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #78 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 | 30.9 min |
| Placentia, CAPop. 52,826 | #384 | 60.3 | $115,929 | $2,388/mo | 245 | 26.6 min |
| Kendale Lakes, FLPop. 52,622 | #1137 | 47.1 | $71,621 | $1,968/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Catalina Foothills, AZPop. 52,593 | #264 | 62.9 | $115,304 | $1,412/mo | no data | 22 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 Grand Island compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Grand Island ranks #15 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 16% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 77% above the statewide rate. Homes are 10% 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 Grand Island's score calculated?
Grand Island scores 53.8 out of 100, #773 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Grand Island. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Grand Island's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
69.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Grand Island. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Grand Island's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
55.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Grand Island's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
84.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Grand Island. Similar-size median 56.1.
39.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Grand Island. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Grand Island. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Grand Island's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
48.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Grand Island's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Grand Island 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 Grand Island
Is Grand Island, NE a good place to live?
Grand Island ranks #773 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #329 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.7, #17 of 524) and low rents ($947/mo, #24 of 524), and trails on low household income ($63,795, #406 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Grand Island?
Grand Island's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $947/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $253,838, 10% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Grand Island?
Grand Island recorded 386 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 328 and 77% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #698 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #309 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Island Police Department. Property crime runs 1,718 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Grand Island?
The median household in Grand Island earns $63,795, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 15.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Grand Island?
Median rent in Grand Island is $947/mo (Census), #148 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,322/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Grand Island?
The typical home value in Grand Island is $253,838, down 0.2% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $218,600.
How are the public schools in Grand Island?
Grand Island's 20 public schools graduate 85.9% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15 students per teacher and $13,308 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Grand Island?
The average commute is 16.9 minutes, #131 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Grand Island?
Grand Island averages 51.8°F over the year, 74.8°F in summer and 28.2°F in winter, with 26.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Grand Island walkable?
Grand Island scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 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 Grand Island at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hall County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Grand Island?
Hall County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Grand Island?
Grand Island has 52,884 residents. The median resident of Grand Island is 34.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Grand Island compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Grand Island ranks #15 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 16% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 77% above the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Grand Island?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Grand Island's population of 52,884 are Minnetonka, MN (#33 overall), Elyria, OH (#894 overall), Wheaton, MD (#259 overall), Burleson, TX (#461 overall), and Wake Forest, NC (#78 overall). Grand Island is #773.