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Is Scottsbluff a Good Place to Live? Scottsbluff, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Scottsbluff ranks #1180 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #209 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230) and affordable homes ($137,700, #19 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (672 per 100,000, #134 of 146) and low household income ($56,359, #189 of 234).
Scottsbluff by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Scottsbluff'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 Scottsbluff?
Scottsbluff'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 $966/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $185,568, 34% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Scottsbluff | 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 | $185,568#90 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $137,700#61 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $966/mo#172 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.6%#523 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.
Scottsbluff 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. Scottsbluff is in the Scottsbluff, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Scottsbluff safe?
Scottsbluff recorded 672 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 3.1 times Nebraska's 218. That ranks #951 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #134 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Scottsbluff Police Department. Property crime runs 3,065 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Scottsbluff | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 672#951 of 1,085 | 218 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,065#963 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 Scottsbluff?
The median household in Scottsbluff earns $56,359, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Nebraska ($76,376). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Scottsbluff | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $56,359#1121 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% | -0.3%#853 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 Scottsbluff?
The median resident of Scottsbluff is 38.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 26.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #925 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Scottsbluff | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 38.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 26.3%#925 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 59.4% | 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 Scottsbluff's schools and health?
Scottsbluff's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $12,908 spent per pupil. 39.9% of adults are obese and 13.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Scottsbluff | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,908#842 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 39.9%#1110 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13.5%#1026 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 14.8%#1065 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. 3,407 students are enrolled in Scottsbluff's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Scottsbluff?
The average commute in Scottsbluff is 12.5 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0% of workers take transit and 5.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Scottsbluff scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 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 | Scottsbluff | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.5 min#22 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 82.2% | 75.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.6% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.7% | 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 | 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 | Scottsbluff | 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 Scottsbluff?
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 | Scottsbluff | 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 Scottsbluff compare with similar-size cities?
Scottsbluff is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #209 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 14,376.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsbluff, NEPop. 14,376 | #1180 | 45.7 | $56,359 | $966/mo | 672 | 12.5 min |
| Rutland, VTPop. 15,712 | #514 | 57.9 | $57,675 | $995/mo | 464 | 16 min |
| Deming, NMPop. 15,221 | #1299 | 36.7 | $34,165 | $586/mo | part year | 17.4 min |
| Brookside, DEPop. 15,115 | #1009 | 49.9 | $78,328 | $1,444/mo | no data | 25.3 min |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #27 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 | 14 min |
| Star, IDPop. 14,745 | #375 | 60.5 | $97,936 | $1,924/mo | no data | 27.5 min |
| Huron, SDPop. 14,385 | #1035 | 49.4 | $61,452 | $888/mo | 281 | 11.9 min |
| Ewa Beach, HIPop. 14,376 | #308 | 62.0 | $124,323 | $2,522/mo | no data | 38 min |
| Teays Valley, WVPop. 14,151 | #523 | 57.8 | $108,741 | $1,102/mo | no data | 24.1 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 Scottsbluff compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Scottsbluff ranks #20 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 45.7 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 26% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 3.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 34% 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 Scottsbluff's score calculated?
Scottsbluff scores 45.7 out of 100, #1180 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Scottsbluff. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
18.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Scottsbluff's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
42.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Scottsbluff. Similar-size median 56.5.
47.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Scottsbluff's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
57.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Scottsbluff's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
88.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Scottsbluff. Similar-size median 50.8.
36.3 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Scottsbluff. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
24.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Scottsbluff. Similar-size median 48.3.
47.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Scottsbluff's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.3 - 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.
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Bar: Scottsbluff'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 Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff
Is Scottsbluff, NE a good place to live?
Scottsbluff ranks #1180 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #209 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230) and affordable homes ($137,700, #19 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (672 per 100,000, #134 of 146) and low household income ($56,359, #189 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Scottsbluff?
Scottsbluff'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 $966/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $185,568, 34% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Scottsbluff?
Scottsbluff recorded 672 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 3.1 times Nebraska's 218. That ranks #951 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #134 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Scottsbluff Police Department. Property crime runs 3,065 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Scottsbluff?
The median household in Scottsbluff earns $56,359, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Nebraska ($76,376). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Scottsbluff?
Median rent in Scottsbluff is $966/mo (Census), #172 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Scottsbluff?
The typical home value in Scottsbluff is $185,568, up 3.8% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $137,700.
How are the public schools in Scottsbluff?
Scottsbluff's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $12,908 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Scottsbluff?
The average commute is 12.5 minutes, #22 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Scottsbluff?
Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff walkable?
Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff?
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 Scottsbluff?
Scottsbluff has 14,376 residents. The median resident of Scottsbluff is 38.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 26.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #925 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Scottsbluff compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Scottsbluff ranks #20 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 45.7 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 26% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 3.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 34% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Scottsbluff?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Scottsbluff's population of 14,376 are Rutland, VT (#514 overall), Deming, NM (#1299 overall), Brookside, DE (#1009 overall), Lebanon, NH (#27 overall), and Star, ID (#375 overall). Scottsbluff is #1180.