Is Holdrege Safe, Pros and cons of living in Holdrege
Holdrege, Nebraska, offers a glimpse into the heartland of America, blending a strong sense of community with a tranquil pace of life. This city, nestled in Phelps County, provides a unique living experience that appeals to those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life. With a population that cherishes its local heritage while embracing modern amenities, Holdrege presents itself as a welcoming destination for individuals and families alike.
The city’s foundation is built upon a history of agricultural prosperity and a commitment to progress, evident in its well-maintained infrastructure and community-focused initiatives. Residents enjoy a close-knit environment where neighborly bonds are strong, contributing to a generally peaceful and secure atmosphere. As you explore what Holdrege has to offer, you’ll discover a community that values its roots while looking toward a sustainable and promising future.
Is it Safe to Live in Holdrege?
Holdrege is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The city reports a total crime rate that is 81% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, with a rate of 128 per 100,000 individuals, which is 65.4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes also remain well below national figures, with a rate of 311 per 100,000 residents, 84.1% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Neighborhood Scout data indicates that the chance of being a victim of violent crime in Holdrege is approximately 1 in 926, which is about average for communities across America. However, the property crime rate is below average for the nation, suggesting a lower likelihood of experiencing theft, vehicle theft, or burglary (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While overall crime rates are low, it’s worth noting that crime rates can vary by neighborhood within the city, with some areas being safer than others (as reported by Crime Grade).
Housing Costs and Options
The housing market in Holdrege presents an attractive proposition for potential residents, with median home prices and rents considerably lower than the national average. The median home value in Holdrege is approximately $194,781 (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents a 5.3% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).
For those considering renting, the median rent in Holdrege is around $724 per month, which is substantially lower than the national average of $1,163 (as reported by Kurby AI). Housing costs, in general, are a significant factor contributing to Holdrege’s overall affordability, making it a financially sound choice for many.
Median Home Prices
The average home price in Holdrege was $166,000 last month, showing a 6.7% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This competitive market sees homes sell in an average of 21 days, with many receiving multiple offers (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $82, reflecting a slight increase of 0.6% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental Market
The rental market in Holdrege offers a median gross rent of $835 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure is part of what makes the overall cost of living in Holdrege so appealing. The rent-to-income ratio in the area is approximately 42.7%, indicating the portion of earnings typically allocated to housing expenses for renters (as reported by Point2Homes).
Cost of Living and Affordability
Holdrege stands out for its affordability, with a cost of living that is notably lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Holdrege is 10% less expensive than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends across various categories, including everyday goods, utilities, transportation, and healthcare expenses (as reported by AreaVibes).
The monthly cost of living for a single person in Holdrege is estimated at $1,898, and for a family of four, it’s approximately $4,138 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures are significantly lower than the U.S. averages, making Holdrege an economically attractive place to reside.
Everyday Expenses
Food expenses in Holdrege run approximately 27.4% below the national average, with an estimated monthly cost of $291 for an individual and $944 for a family (as reported by Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also reduced, being 19.8% lower than the national average, with an estimated monthly cost of $702 for one person and $1,536 for a household (as reported by Salary.com).
Income and Wages
The average annual household income in Holdrege was $101,724 in 2024, marking a significant increase of 19.7% from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). However, the median income for households in Holdrege is $55,789 (as reported by Point2Homes). The average per capita income in Holdrege is $48,871 (as reported by Data Commons).
Job Market and Major Employers
Holdrege boasts a stable job market with several key employers contributing to its economic landscape. The city’s economy is supported by a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, education, and public service sectors. Major employers include Becton Dickinson (BD), Phelps Memorial Health Center, and Holdrege Public Schools (as reported by Wikipedia).
Becton Dickinson (BD) is a significant contributor, operating the world’s largest producer of insulin syringes and employing over 600 workers in Holdrege (as reported by PCDC). Phelps Memorial Health Center is another large employer, providing essential healthcare services to the community and surrounding areas.
Key Industries
The industrial base in Holdrege is diverse, with manufacturing playing a crucial role. Becton Dickinson’s presence highlights the city’s capacity for advanced manufacturing, particularly in the medical device sector. Agriculture-related businesses also remain important, given the region’s strong farming heritage.
Employment Opportunities
The unemployment rate in Holdrege is not explicitly stated in the provided search results, but the presence of major employers suggests a healthy job market. The average salary for popular jobs like Electrician, RN, and Caregiver can be significantly higher than the city’s average salary of $55,459 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This indicates opportunities for skilled professionals to find well-compensated positions within the city.
Climate and Weather
Holdrege experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns, characteristic of a continental climate. Summers are warm and generally clear, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature typically ranges from 18°F in January to 88°F in July, rarely dropping below 1°F or exceeding 97°F throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark).
The city receives an average of 26.97 inches of rain per year (as reported by Holdrege, NE Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature). June is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 3.3 inches, while January sees the least amount of rain, averaging just 0.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).
Seasonal Temperatures
The hot season in Holdrege spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 78°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 87°F and lows of 65°F. Conversely, the cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 18°F and highs of 39°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Snowfall
Holdrege experiences a lengthy rainy season lasting about 8.8 months out of the year. The wettest periods are generally in June, with an average of 10.4 days of rain alone. Snowfall is more common during the winter months, with December through February typically seeing the most snow. The average annual snowfall is around 27 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Education and Schools
Holdrege is served by the Holdrege Public Schools district, which offers a range of educational opportunities for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district includes Holdrege Elementary School, Holdrege Middle School, and Holdrege High School. Schools in Holdrege generally perform well, with some institutions receiving strong rankings.
Holdrege High School is ranked among the top Nebraska high schools, with an impressive 87.9% four-year graduation rate (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Holdrege Middle School also stands out, ranking well among Nebraska middle schools and demonstrating high proficiency rates in math and science (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
School Performance
Holdrege Public Schools have an average math proficiency score of 67%, which is higher than the Nebraska public school average of 58%. The reading proficiency score is 49%, slightly above the statewide average of 47% (as reported by Niche). However, the district faces challenges such as high chronic absenteeism rates, which are above the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Student Demographics
The student body in Holdrege Public Schools is diverse, with minority enrollment at 17%, which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 38% (as reported by Niche). The majority of the student population is Hispanic (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Population
Holdrege, Nebraska, is a city with a population of approximately 5,556 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). The population has seen a slight increase, with a growth rate of 0.09% annually (as reported by Data Commons). The median age in Holdrege is 41.1 years (as reported by Data Commons).
The racial makeup of Holdrege is predominantly White, with 87.05% of the population identifying as such (as reported by Data Commons). Other racial groups include smaller percentages of Black or African American, Native American, Asian, and multiracial populations. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 8.02% of the population (as reported by Data Commons).
Population Trends
Holdrege’s population has remained relatively stable over the years, with minor fluctuations. The city is home to a population of 5,551 (as reported by Livability.com). The most recent census recorded a population of 5,515 in 2020 (as reported by Data USA).
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Holdrege is 41.1 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males. For every 100 females, there are approximately 109.7 males (as reported by Data Commons). The age distribution shows about 19.9% of residents are children under 15, and 21.8% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Holdrege
Holdrege offers a compelling blend of affordability and a peaceful lifestyle, making it an attractive option for many. The low cost of living, particularly in housing, is a significant advantage. Additionally, the city’s low crime rates contribute to a sense of security and well-being for its residents.
However, like any city, Holdrege has its potential drawbacks. The job market, while stable, may not offer the same breadth of opportunities as larger metropolitan areas. Furthermore, while schools are generally well-regarded, there are areas for improvement, such as addressing chronic absenteeism.
Advantages
The primary advantages of living in Holdrege include its exceptionally low cost of living, which is substantially below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The city’s safety is another major draw, with crime rates significantly lower than both state and national benchmarks (as reported by AreaVibes). The housing market is also a strong point, offering affordable home prices and rental rates.
Disadvantages
Potential disadvantages of living in Holdrege might include fewer diverse employment opportunities compared to larger cities. The climate, with its cold winters and warm summers, may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, while schools are rated reasonably well, there is room for improvement in certain metrics like graduation rates and attendance (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).