Grand Island

Grand Island, Nebraska Overview

Grand Island faces challenges across several categories, earning a C+ grade (52.0/100) and ranking #16 of 20 cities in Nebraska. Even so, the city scores 82/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 22/100.

Income & Employment in Grand Island

The median household income in Grand Island is $62,439, 15% below the statewide median of $73,423. The local unemployment rate of 3.3% is higher than the state’s 2.8%. Population grew 0.5% recently.

Safety in Grand Island

Grand Island’s violent crime rate of 411.4 per 100,000 runs above the Nebraska average of 290. The property crime rate is 2089.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Grand Island

With a cost of living index of 87.3, Grand Island is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $202,600. Median monthly rent is $913. Renters spend 17.5% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Grand Island

The adult obesity rate in Grand Island is 41.5%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 11.6%. Residents average 14.4 poor mental health days per month. Nebraska ranks #15 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Grand Island

Grand Island has a high school graduation rate of 85.9%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.1:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,341. The city has 23 public schools serving 11,325 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Grand Island

Grand Island enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 56.1°F. Summers average 78°F. Winters average 33.2°F. Annual precipitation is 24.4 inches. The average commute of 17.2 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions