Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scottsbluff, NE
Thinking of moving to Scottsbluff, NE? With around 14,100 residents, the city offers affordable living—median home prices are just $163,000 and typical rents hover near $800. Commutes are a breeze at under 14 minutes, and you'll enjoy plenty of sunny days (63% per year). Scottsbluff boasts a major hospital, a friendly community, and easy access to local schools and colleges. While property crime is a bit above the national average, the overall cost of living is low, making it a great choice for an affordable and relaxed lifestyle.
Demographics - Scottsbluff, NE
Demographics - Scottsbluff, NE
Scottsbluff is home to about 14,125 residents with a median age of 38.8, reflecting a balanced and diverse community. The population is predominantly White (81.7%), with a notable presence of other ethnic groups and over 10% non-English speakers, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
14,125
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.8
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.7%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
16.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Scottsbluff, NE?
Living in Scottsbluff is very affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $163,000. Residents benefit from reasonable rents, modest utility costs, and low state taxes, making it an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$163,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
2.46%
|
High:
6.84%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.3
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
62.1
Utilities:
91.2
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
96.4
Miscellaneous:
95.5
Crime
Is Scottsbluff, NE a safe place to live?
Scottsbluff experiences a slightly higher property crime rate compared to national averages, with a 1 in 42 chance of property crime and a 1 in 315 chance of violent crime. While residents should stay aware, the city remains a generally safe and family-friendly place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
317
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
2,717
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 315
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Scottsbluff, NE year-round?
Scottsbluff enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 90°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 16.6 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 63% sunny days, making it great for those who appreciate sunshine and moderate weather.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Local households in Scottsbluff have a median income of about $56,900, and commute times average just under 14 minutes. The community is educated, with nearly 90% having at least a high school diploma, and maintains a low unemployment rate of 3.1%.
Median Income:
$33,700
Household Income:
$56,900
Family Income:
$68,300
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
16.4%
Non English Speakers:
10.4%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
13.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Scottsbluff, NE?
Scottsbluff features strong educational options, including public schools like Scottsbluff Senior High and Bluffs Middle School, as well as private and higher education through Western Nebraska Community College. Families benefit from manageable class sizes and a range of opportunities for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Scottsbluff Senior High School
Street:
313 E 27th St
Phone:
308-635-6230
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Bluffs Middle School
Street:
2221 Broadway
Phone:
308-635-6270
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
Community Christian School
Street:
2002 Char Ave
Phone:
308-632-2230
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Western Nebraska Community College
City:
Scottsbluff
State:
NE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, anchored by Regional West Medical Center, a major hospital offering emergency services. With about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible and reliable in the area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Regional West Medical Center
Address:
4021 Avenue B, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Phone:
(308) 635-3711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
70.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Scottsbluff, NE?
Scottsbluff's housing market is affordable and stable, with median home prices at $163,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $800. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area experiences low foreclosure and vacancy rates, making it an appealing spot for homebuyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$163,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Scottsbluff residents are served by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles at 505A Broadway, offering convenient access to licensing and vehicle services. The office provides all standard DMV services and can be reached by phone or online.
State:
Nebraska
Department:
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
505A Broadway, Ste 800, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Phone:
(308) 436-6718
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.