Deep Dive Relocation Report: Hastings, Nebraska (2026)

Hastings: The Data Profile (2026)

Hastings, Nebraska, represents a specific tier of secondary Midwestern markets characterized by economic stability rather than high-growth velocity. With a population of 25,005, it functions as a micro-urban hub. The primary statistical friction point for incoming professionals is the income ceiling; the median household income sits at $61,202, which is 17.9% below the national median of $74,580. This wage suppression is partially offset by a cost of living index that hovers at 100.0 across major sectors, effectively neutralizing the national average.

However, the demographic profile suggests a distinct labor market. With only 28.0% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher (compared to the US average of 33.1%), the city is statistically geared toward skilled trades, healthcare support, and service management rather than the high-tech or knowledge economy sectors prevalent in larger metros. The statistical target demographic is the "Stability Seeker"—a remote worker earning a national-average salary looking to maximize purchasing power, or a local professional prioritizing low unemployment (3.0%) over rapid career scaling.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the aggregate index suggests parity, the granular breakdown reveals specific economic advantages. The most significant deviation is in energy costs, where electricity averages 11.53 cents/kWh, a substantial 27.9% reduction compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. For a household consuming 1,000 kWh monthly, this translates to a direct saving of $44.70 per month, or $536.40 annually.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner matching the median income of $61,202 (approx. $3,950 monthly take-home after taxes), the monthly outflow of $2,060 leaves a disposable income of roughly $1,890. This is 28.5% higher than the disposable income available to the average US worker in a comparable bracket, validating Hastings as a high-savings environment for those maintaining remote salaries.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Hastings is defined by its adherence to the national baseline. With a Housing Index of 100.0, there is no inherent premium or discount applied to real estate compared to the broader US market. However, the median home price of $215,000 offers a distinct value proposition when compared to the national median home price (approx. $420,000 in 2026). The Price per Square Foot of $125 indicates that buyers are receiving substantial volume for their investment.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
The "Breakeven Horizon" in Hastings favors buying. The price-to-rent ratio, calculated as $215,000 / ($1,600 * 12) = 11.2, is significantly lower than the national average of roughly 15.0. This mathematical indicator suggests that renting is relatively expensive compared to the cost of ownership. For a remote worker with a stable income, purchasing a home is the financially superior option within 3 to 4 years.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Hastings is economically insulated, largely due to its industrial base which includes food processing and manufacturing. The 3.0% unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than the national average, indicating a tight labor market where job security is high.

RTO and Commute Impact:
In the post-remote landscape of 2026, Hastings offers a distinct logistical advantage. The average one-way commute time is 14.2 minutes, compared to the US average of 27.6 minutes. This saves the average worker approximately 55 minutes of driving daily. For hybrid workers required in an office 2 days a week, the commute time reduction is a massive quality-of-life multiplier. However, local industry is heavily reliant on agriculture and manufacturing; recessionary pressures in these specific sectors pose a higher risk to the local economy than diversification would.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life score in Hastings is a study in contrasts. While economic stability is high (Unemployment 3.0%), health metrics reveal significant community-level risks. The obesity rate of 41.4% is 9.5 percentage points higher than the national average, a statistical outlier that suggests lifestyle or dietary challenges.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 1.8 per 1,000 residents (Low).
• Property Crime: 18.5 per 1,000 residents (Moderate).
• Air Quality: Hastings boasts an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, both well below national averages, offering a distinct respiratory health benefit.
• Schools: The graduation rate is 92%, slightly above the national average.
• Weather: Currently 36.0°F with sunny conditions. Winters are harsh (avg Jan low 15°F) and summers are hot/humid (avg July high 89°F), representing a standard continental climate.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Median price of $215,000 is 48.8% below the national median.
• Job Security: Unemployment at 3.0% provides economic stability.
• Commute: Average 14.2 minute drive drastically reduces time loss for hybrid workers.
• Air Quality: AQI of 42 is significantly cleaner than the US average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income of $61,202 limits local earning potential.
• Health Risks: Obesity rate of 41.4% is alarmingly high compared to peers.
• Education Gap: College education rate of 28.0% may limit networking for high-level professionals.

Final Recommendation:
Hastings is a Buy for the financial optimizer. It is highly recommended for remote workers earning $80,000+ annually, as they can leverage the $215,000 housing market to build wealth rapidly. It is Not Recommended for career climbers dependent on local industry promotion or those seeking a highly educated peer group.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Hastings?
To live comfortably (saving 20% of income), a single person needs a gross annual income of approximately $52,000. A family of four requires roughly $78,000.

2. How does Hastings compare to Omaha or Lincoln?
Hastings offers housing prices roughly 45% lower than Omaha, with a significantly lower unemployment rate (3.0% vs 3.2%), but lacks the cultural amenities and salary ceilings of the larger metros.

3. Is Hastings safe?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 1.8 per 1,000 residents, it is statistically safer than 82% of US cities.

4. When is the best time to move?
The best time to move is between May and September to avoid the harsh winter average low of 15°F. The housing inventory typically peaks in late Spring.