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Is North Platte a Good Place to Live? North Platte, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
North Platte ranks #945 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230) and short commutes (13.3 min, #28 of 234), and trails on low household income ($58,097, #181 of 234).
North Platte by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with North Platte'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 North Platte?
North Platte'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 $921/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,736, 22% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | North Platte | 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 | $219,736#169 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 | $1,327/mo#186 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $169,100#135 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $921/mo#116 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19%#337 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.
North Platte 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. North Platte is in the North Platte, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is North Platte safe?
North Platte recorded 116 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 47% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #169 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #35 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by North Platte Police Department. Property crime runs 1,596 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | North Platte | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 116#169 of 1,085 | 218 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,596#522 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 North Platte?
The median household in North Platte earns $58,097, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Nebraska ($76,376). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | North Platte | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $58,097#1084 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.4%#883 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 North Platte?
The median resident of North Platte is 40.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | North Platte | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 40.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 20.8%#1147 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 58.5% | 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 North Platte's schools and health?
North Platte's 11 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,735 spent per pupil. 41.4% of adults are obese and 13.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | North Platte | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,735#737 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 41.4%#1177 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13.3%#997 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 11.4%#816 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. 3,631 students are enrolled in North Platte's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in North Platte?
The average commute in North Platte is 13.3 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0.9% of workers take transit and 2.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index North Platte scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.8°F and winters 27.7°F, with 21.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | North Platte | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 13.3 min#31 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 86.7% | 75.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 1.2% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 2.4% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.6#729 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 | 40.7 | 11.9 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 43.9 | 14.8 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 55.2 | 23.9 | 1 |
| Apr | 63.2 | 33.2 | 2.3 |
| May | 72.8 | 44.2 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 84 | 55.4 | 3.5 |
| Jul | 89.7 | 61.4 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 87.2 | 58.8 | 2.6 |
| Sep | 80 | 48.3 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 66 | 34.3 | 1.7 |
| Nov | 52.6 | 21.4 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 42 | 13.1 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at N Platte Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | North Platte | 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 | 72.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 27.7°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 21.1 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 N Platte Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in North Platte?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in North Platte's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lincoln County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | North Platte | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#694 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 Lincoln County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lincoln County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.031% | 97% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0012% | 82% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0033% | 73% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 62% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0024% | 56% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.086% | 56% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 30% 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 North Platte compare with similar-size cities?
North Platte is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #171 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 22,831.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 min |
| Rock Springs, WYPop. 23,127 | #816 | 53.1 | $69,168 | $928/mo | 145 | 22.5 min |
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #659 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 | 12.6 min |
| Duncan, OKPop. 22,958 | #1188 | 45.5 | $58,054 | $896/mo | 356 | 21.9 min |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #231 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 | 17.2 min |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #133 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 | 19.6 min |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #1183 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 | 24.7 min |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 min |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #1276 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data | 29.3 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 North Platte compare with the rest of Nebraska?
North Platte ranks #19 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 51 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 24% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 North Platte's score calculated?
North Platte scores 51 out of 100, #945 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 North Platte. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
20.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by North Platte's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
87.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in North Platte. Similar-size median 56.5.
43.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in North Platte's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
60.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
North Platte's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in North Platte. Similar-size median 50.8.
37.1 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in North Platte. 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 North Platte. Similar-size median 48.3.
44.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across North Platte's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.3 - 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 59.2.
47.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: North Platte'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 North Platte 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 North Platte
Is North Platte, NE a good place to live?
North Platte ranks #945 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230) and short commutes (13.3 min, #28 of 234), and trails on low household income ($58,097, #181 of 234).
What is the cost of living in North Platte?
North Platte'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 $921/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,736, 22% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in North Platte?
North Platte recorded 116 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 47% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #169 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #35 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by North Platte Police Department. Property crime runs 1,596 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in North Platte?
The median household in North Platte earns $58,097, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Nebraska ($76,376). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in North Platte?
Median rent in North Platte is $921/mo (Census), #116 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,327/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in North Platte?
The typical home value in North Platte is $219,736, up 7.2% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $169,100.
How are the public schools in North Platte?
North Platte's 11 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,735 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in North Platte?
The average commute is 13.3 minutes, #31 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in North Platte?
North Platte averages 49.9°F over the year, 72.8°F in summer and 27.7°F in winter, with 21.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is North Platte walkable?
North Platte scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 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 North Platte at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lincoln County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
Who lives in North Platte?
North Platte has 22,831 residents. The median resident of North Platte is 40.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does North Platte compare with the rest of Nebraska?
North Platte ranks #19 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 51 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 24% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to North Platte?
The tracked cities in other states closest to North Platte's population of 22,831 are Rock Springs, WY (#816 overall), Watertown, SD (#659 overall), Duncan, OK (#1188 overall), Keene, NH (#231 overall), and Prairie Village, KS (#133 overall). North Platte is #945.