Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Benkelman, NE
Considering a move to Benkelman, NE? This small, tight-knit community of 822 residents boasts a very affordable median home price of $78,000 and low average rents around $540. With low crime rates, short 11-minute commutes, and sunny weather 67% of the year, Benkelman is ideal for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle. Local schools offer low student-teacher ratios, and the cost of living is well below the national average—making it a great option for budget-minded movers.
Demographics - Benkelman, NE
Demographics - Benkelman, NE
Benkelman is a small, close-knit community of 822 residents with a median age of 48.6, reflecting a mature population. The city is predominantly White, with just over 2% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its compact population density makes for a friendly and neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
822
Density:
900 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Benkelman, NE?
The cost of living in Benkelman is notably affordable, with a median home value of $78,000 and average rents around $540 per month. Utilities and transportation costs are below national averages, making daily life budget-friendly. Residents benefit from lower state taxes and overall living expenses, ideal for those looking to stretch their dollar.
Median House Value:
$78,000
Gross Rent:
$540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
2.46%
|
High:
6.84%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
91.6
Transportation:
78.2
Health Care:
89.4
Miscellaneous:
80.0
Crime
Is Benkelman, NE a safe place to live?
Benkelman offers a safe environment, with violent crime rates significantly below the national average at just 85 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also low, giving residents peace of mind in their day-to-day lives. The small-town setting contributes to a strong sense of security for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
805
Crime Index:
890
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 124
Weather
What is the weather like in Benkelman, NE year-round?
Residents enjoy a climate with four distinct seasons, including warm summers reaching highs near 91°F and chilly winters with lows around 14°F. With 67% of days being sunny and annual rainfall under 20 inches, Benkelman offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year-round. The weather is generally mild, supporting an active rural lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Households in Benkelman have a median income of $43,800, with a low unemployment rate of 3.2% and short average commutes of about 11 minutes. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the community is marked by a modest cost of living and a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting the city’s rural character.
Median Income:
$31,700
Household Income:
$43,800
Family Income:
$54,100
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$33,900
Income Female:
$24,600
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$540
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
11.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.8%
Education
How are the schools in Benkelman, NE?
Benkelman offers quality education through its public schools, which maintain low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. The community is also within driving distance of Mid-Plains Community College in McCook, expanding local higher education opportunities. While there are no private schools in town, public schools are well-regarded for their supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Dundy County Stratton High School
Street:
400 9th Ave E
Phone:
308-423-2201
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5
Name:
Dundy County Stratton Elementary School
Street:
401 9th Ave E
Phone:
308-423-2738
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.3
Colleges
Name:
Mid-Plains Community College
City:
McCook
State:
NE
Distance:
37 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Benkelman is served by Dundy County Hospital, a local critical access facility providing emergency services. Residents have good access to healthcare, with over 91% covered by health insurance and a physician-to-population ratio that supports timely care. The area's healthcare system is reliable for a rural community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dundy County Hospital
Address:
1313 N. Cheyenne St, Benkelman, NE 69021
Phone:
(308) 423-2204
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Benkelman, NE?
The housing market in Benkelman is very affordable, with a median home price of just $78,000 and nearly 78% of homes being owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents around $540 and a low vacancy rate, making it easy for newcomers to find housing. Home values have seen steady appreciation, adding to the city’s long-term appeal.
Median Home Price:
$78,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$540
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Benkelman residents are managed by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive resources available online and through the main office in Lincoln. The DMV provides standard services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers. Residents can access information and complete many transactions via the department’s website for convenience.
State:
Nebraska
Department:
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone:
402-471-3985
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.