NebraskaPop. 25,008Small cities
Is Hastings a Good Place to Live? Hastings, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hastings ranks #602 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #111 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.8 min, #6 of 208) and low rents ($858/mo, #14 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Hastings by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hastings'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 Hastings?
Hastings'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 $858/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $206,294, 27% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Hastings | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 86.3#71 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $206,294#128 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,101/mo#56 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $184,700#183 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $858/mo#59 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.1%#103 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Hastings 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. Hastings is in the Hastings, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Hastings safe?
Hastings recorded 239 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% below the US rate of 328 and 9% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #434 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #79 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hastings Police Department. Property crime runs 1,459 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hastings | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 239#434 of 1,085 | 218 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,459#456 of 1,085 | 1,379 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Hastings?
The median household in Hastings earns $64,048, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hastings | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $64,048#948 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.8%#851 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Hastings?
The median resident of Hastings is 37.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 29.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #824 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hastings | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 29.2%#824 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 65.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Hastings's schools and health?
Hastings's 8 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $13,831 spent per pupil. 41.4% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hastings | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.9#272 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,831#727 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41.4%#1177 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.5%#718 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,740 students are enrolled in Hastings's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hastings?
The average commute in Hastings is 13.8 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0.1% of workers take transit and 3.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hastings scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.7°F and winters 28.5°F, with 26.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hastings | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 13.8 min#39 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.3%#77 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 82.3% | 75.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.5% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 3.9% | 9.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 36.4 | 16.4 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 40.7 | 19.4 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 52.8 | 29 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 63.1 | 38.9 | 2.7 |
| May | 72.8 | 50.7 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 83.8 | 61.6 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 88 | 66 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 85.3 | 63.7 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 78.6 | 54.3 | 2.1 |
| Oct | 65.3 | 41.1 | 2 |
| Nov | 51 | 28.4 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 39.1 | 19.4 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hastings Muni Airport.
| Measure | Hastings | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 51.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 74.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 28.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 26.4 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hastings Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hastings?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Hastings's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Adams County's biggest natural hazard losses in lightning, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 73% of US counties.
| Measure | Hastings | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.2%#940 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Adams County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Adams County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning | 0.011% | 100% of counties |
| Hail | 0.06% | 100% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.031% | 98% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.015% | 96% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0067% | 90% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.052% | 12% 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 Hastings compare with similar-size cities?
Hastings is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #111 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 25,008.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings, NEPop. 25,008 | #602 | 56.7 | $64,048 | $858/mo | 239 | 13.8 min |
| Dickinson, NDPop. 25,357 | #274 | 62.7 | $82,696 | $957/mo | 183 | 16.4 min |
| Ardmore, OKPop. 24,877 | #1224 | 44.0 | $53,900 | $1,006/mo | 1,050 | 16.8 min |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #275 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 | 18.9 min |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #999 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 | 19 min |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #1304 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data | 27.1 min |
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #198 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 | 30 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #844 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 | 21.1 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 Hastings compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Hastings ranks #11 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 16% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% 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 Hastings's score calculated?
Hastings scores 56.7 out of 100, #602 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Hastings. Similar-size median 52.9.
54.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hastings's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
81.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hastings. Similar-size median 52.2.
48.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hastings's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
60.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hastings's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
87.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hastings. Similar-size median 46.7.
40.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hastings. Similar-size median 44.2.
43.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hastings. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hastings's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
27.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hastings's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Hastings 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 Hastings
Is Hastings, NE a good place to live?
Hastings ranks #602 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #111 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.8 min, #6 of 208) and low rents ($858/mo, #14 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Hastings?
Hastings'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 $858/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $206,294, 27% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Hastings?
Hastings recorded 239 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% below the US rate of 328 and 9% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #434 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #79 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hastings Police Department. Property crime runs 1,459 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hastings?
The median household in Hastings earns $64,048, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hastings?
Median rent in Hastings is $858/mo (Census), #59 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,101/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hastings?
The typical home value in Hastings is $206,294, up 2.1% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $184,700.
How are the public schools in Hastings?
Hastings's 8 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $13,831 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hastings?
The average commute is 13.8 minutes, #39 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 2.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hastings?
Hastings averages 51.9°F over the year, 74.7°F in summer and 28.5°F in winter, with 26.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hastings walkable?
Hastings scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Hastings at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Adams County's biggest natural hazard losses in lightning, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 73% of US counties.
Who lives in Hastings?
Hastings has 25,008 residents. The median resident of Hastings is 37.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 29.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #824 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hastings compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Hastings ranks #11 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 16% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Hastings?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hastings's population of 25,008 are Dickinson, ND (#274 overall), Ardmore, OK (#1224 overall), Newport, RI (#275 overall), Fort Dodge, IA (#999 overall), and Terrytown, LA (#1304 overall). Hastings is #602.