Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bern, KS
Planning a move to Bern, KS? This small town of 161 residents offers a peaceful, close-knit atmosphere with affordable living—median home prices hover around $78,000 and average rents are just $650. Crime rates are very low and commutes are short, with an average time of 21.6 minutes. The community is served by quality schools in nearby Sabetha, and you’ll enjoy a sunny Midwest climate with 62% sunny days a year. Bern is ideal for those seeking a quiet, affordable lifestyle with friendly neighbors and easy access to essential amenities.
Demographics - Bern, KS
Bern, KS is a small, close-knit community of about 161 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 44.2 years and a nearly even gender ratio. The population density is high for its size, and only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home. The town's atmosphere is peaceful and neighborly, offering a friendly environment for newcomers.
Population:
161
Density:
710 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
98.1%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bern, KS?
The cost of living in Bern is notably affordable, with a median home value of just $78,000 and average rents around $650. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries are lower than national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families. State income tax rates range from 3.1% to 5.7%, contributing to manageable living costs overall.
Median House Value:
$78,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.6
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
61.5
Utilities:
96.3
Transportation:
78.2
Health Care:
91.7
Miscellaneous:
86.1
Crime
Is Bern, KS a safe place to live?
Bern enjoys very low crime rates compared to national averages, with a chance of violent crime at just 1 in 1,020 and property crime at 1 in 93. Residents benefit from a safe environment that supports a relaxed, small-town lifestyle. This safety makes Bern especially appealing to families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,075
Crime Index:
1,173
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Bern, KS year-round?
Bern experiences a classic Midwest climate, with cold winters averaging 17°F to 38°F and warm summers ranging from 65°F to 89°F. Residents enjoy about 62% sunny days each year and moderate annual rainfall of 34.6 inches. The weather supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Bern typically earn a median income of $56,000, while the poverty rate remains relatively low at 8.5%. Most adults have completed high school, and commute times average just over 21 minutes. The community is welcoming and stable, with friendly neighbors and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$66,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
21.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.0%
Education
How are the schools in Bern, KS?
Bern is served by quality public schools in nearby Sabetha, including Sabetha Elementary and Sabetha High School, known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are accessible at Highland Community College, just 33 miles away. The local education system provides strong support for student achievement and lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Sabetha Elementary School
Street:
805 Virginia St
Phone:
785-284-3448
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Sabetha High School
Street:
1011 Blue Jay Blvd
Phone:
785-284-2155
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Colleges
Name:
Highland Community College
City:
Highland
State:
KS
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Bern is supported by nearby hospitals like Sabetha Community Hospital and Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, both offering emergency services. The town has about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 90% of people have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are readily available, providing peace of mind for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sabetha Community Hospital
Address:
14th & Oregon St, Sabetha, KS 66534
Phone:
(785) 284-2121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Nemaha Valley Community Hospital
Address:
1600 Community Drive, Seneca, KS 66538
Phone:
(785) 336-6181
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
70.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bern, KS?
Bern’s housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices around $78,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, but the majority enjoy the stability of homeownership, and vacancy rates are low. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a secure place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$78,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Bern residents are managed by the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles, located in Topeka. The DMV offers comprehensive services, including vehicle titles, licensing, and renewals, with helpful information available on their official website. Residents can expect straightforward access to state motor vehicle services.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3671
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.