Is Beatrice Safe, Pros and cons of living in Beatrice

Beatrice, Nebraska, offers a blend of small-town charm with access to amenities, making it an appealing location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The city is situated in Gage County, approximately 42 miles south of Lincoln, along the Big Blue River. Beatrice is the county seat and is known for its community-focused atmosphere.

The city provides a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, with notable savings in housing expenses. This affordability, combined with a stable job market and a range of recreational opportunities, contributes to Beatrice’s appeal as a place to settle down. The community also boasts a rich history and a commitment to preserving its heritage.

Is it Safe to Live in Beatrice?

Beatrice presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with a crime rate that is comparable to the national average. The city holds a “C” grade for safety, indicating that its crime rate is about the same as that of the average U.S. city (according to CrimeGrade.org). Beatrice ranks in the 46th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 46% of cities but less safe than 54% (according to CrimeGrade.org).

While overall crime rates are average, neighborhood safety can vary. Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 16 in the northwest to 1 in 51 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime rates are estimated to be 47% lower than the national average, with specific rates for murder, aggravated assault, and robbery also below the national average (according to DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with larceny/theft being the most common type of property crime (according to DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Availability

Beatrice offers a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average, with housing being a primary contributor to these savings. The cost of living in Beatrice is approximately 13% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs in Beatrice are notably lower, with the median home price being 37.2% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

The median home value in Beatrice is reported to be $149,884 (according to Livability.com). For renters, the median monthly rent is around $785, with a median gross rent of $758 (according to Point2Homes). The rental market shows a median rent near $1025 and an average around $985 for a one-bedroom apartment (according to Rentometer and Trulia). This affordability makes Beatrice an attractive option for those looking to own a home or rent.

The Job Market and Major Employers

The Beatrice economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, trade, transportation, and utilities forming a significant portion of employment. Health Care & Social Assistance is the largest employment sector, followed by Manufacturing and Retail Trade (according to Data USA and Gage Area Growth Enterprise). Major employers in Beatrice include Beatrice Community Hospital, Exmark, Beatrice Public Schools, and Landmark Snacks (according to The Beatrice Daily Sun).

The average annual household income in Beatrice was $70,473 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The average salary for jobs in Beatrice, Nebraska, is reported to be $60,679 per year or $29 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate the average annual salary is around $51,579 (according to ZipRecruiter), with a median household income of $57,264 (according to Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Gage County was 2.2% as of May 2021 (according to the Nebraska Department of Labor).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Beatrice experiences a climate with distinct seasonal variations, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature ranges from approximately 18°F in January to 90°F in July (according to World Climate and myPerfectWeather). Temperatures typically vary between 13°F and 88°F throughout the year (according to myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation averages about 31 inches, with the month of June typically receiving the most rain (according to myPerfectWeather and Plantmaps). Beatrice receives an average annual snowfall of 19 inches, with the majority of snow falling in January (according to myPerfectWeather). The city experiences comfortable weather from May to June and mid-August to mid-October, with daily high temperatures between 65°F and 86°F.

Education and School Ratings

The Beatrice Public Schools district serves the educational needs of the city’s younger residents. Beatrice High School has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, with 47% of students proficient in math and 57% in reading (according to Niche). The overall Niche grade for Beatrice High School is a C+ (according to Niche).

Beatrice Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, with 59% of students proficient in math and 55% in reading (according to Niche). The school district as a whole receives a C+ grade, with specific rankings for areas like being a district with the best teachers in Nebraska (according to Niche).

Demographics and Population

As of 2024, Beatrice is home to a population of approximately 12,290 residents (according to Data USA and Data Commons). The population is predominantly White, with 92.4% of residents identifying as Caucasian (according to Point2Homes and Data Commons). The median age in Beatrice is 41.9 years (according to Data Commons).

The gender distribution shows 48.7% males and 51.3% females (according to Point2Homes). Approximately 99.6% of Beatrice residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA). The foreign-born population is about 1.46%, which is similar to the national average (according to Data USA).