Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Hastings, Nebraska is a mid-sized city with a population of 25,424 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Hastings is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Hastings offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Hastings can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Nebraska, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Hastings and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, education and other important metrics.
Hastings, NE receives 78/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #45 in Nebraska and #2,159 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Hastings ranks well in multiple categories! Hastings also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Hastings ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Hastings. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (D-).
The Hastings unemployment rate of 1.7% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Hastings apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Hastings is real estate affordability. The median home price for Hastings homes is $230,271, which is 6% lower than the Nebraska average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Hastings, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Nebraska average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Hastings | Nebraska | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.8% | 81.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.2% | 9.4% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 0.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.6% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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