Beatrice, NE

Livability

City of BeatriceBeatrice sign

The City of Beatrice is in the center of Gage County and is the county seat, with a population of 12,279. In addition to Gage County's population of 21,513, the community draws from a nine-county adjacent area with available labor force of 214,646. This labor force figure is significant since Lincoln is just 35 miles to the north of Beatrice. With a solid base of manufacturers present and manufacturing history in the community, there is an excellent pool of experienced workforce to draw from.

Roads connecting to Beatrice and the Gage County Industrial Park site are excellent. Interstate 80 is just 39 miles to the north of Beatrice on Highway 77 which is a four lane expressway. Beatrice and Gage County is in the center of the country with great accessibility and outstanding transportation infrastructure here.  

Beatrice offers local incentives for businesses that have an interest in moving or growing here. Direct loans or grants are available to qualifying businesses thru the Local Option Municipal Act fund and Community Development Block Grant funds. The county implemented a new fund to be used as needed for businesses interested in this area and tax increment financing is available for improvements. 

The Beatrice area community has superb quality of living amenities including an excellent school system, ample recreation venues and activities, including hiking and biking trails, theaters, good medical care with a new state of the art hospital, historical sites and attractions, community celebrations, and many churches. The area is rich in culture and history, as it is the home of the Homestead National Monument.  

Recent and significant local investments have been made to:

  • The Beatrice Community Hospital opened its new facility on the north edge of Beatrice in February of 2012.  In 2016, a $7.2M clinical services expansion was completed.   
  • A new sports complex near the Beatrice High School facility. 
  • Recent improvements nearly complete to enhance the Beatrice Public Library facility. 
  • Restoration in 2012 of the Historic Carnegie Building (housing NGage, the Chamber, and Gage County Tourism offices). 
  • Renovation and restoration of the Gage County Courthouse. 
  • A two-phase downtown revitalization project, including street paying, sidewalks, concrete planters and historical lighting along 5th St. 

 

City of Beatrice Website

City of Beatrice Facebook Page

City of Beatrice Twitter 

 

Population

Total Population

12,199

Population
Growth Rate

-0.09%

Median Age

44

Diversity Index

24.100

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-13

Livability

Livability

City of BeatriceBeatrice sign

The City of Beatrice is in the center of Gage County and is the county seat, with a population of 12,496. In addition to Gage County's population of 21,806, the community draws from a nine-county adjacent area with available labor force of 214,646. This labor force figure is significant since Lincoln is just 35 miles to the north of Beatrice. With a solid base of manufacturers present and manufacturing history in the community, there is an excellent pool of experienced workforce to draw from.

Roads connecting to Beatrice and the Gage County Industrial Park site are excellent. Interstate 80 is just 39 miles to the north of Beatrice on Highway 77 which is a four lane expressway. Beatrice and Gage County are in the center of the country with great accessibility and outstanding transportation infrastructure here.  

Beatrice offers local incentives for businesses that have an interest in moving or growing here. Direct loans or grants are available to qualifying businesses through the Local Option Municipal Act fund and Community Development Block Grant funds. The county implemented a new fund to be used as needed for businesses interested in this area and tax increment financing is available for improvements. 

The Beatrice area community has superb quality of living amenities including an excellent school system, ample recreation venues and activities, including hiking and biking trails, theaters, good medical care with a new state of the art hospital, historical sites and attractions, community celebrations, and many churches. The area is rich in culture and history, as it is the home of the Homestead National Monument. 

Click here for the 2016 Beatrice Community Guide.  

Recent and significant local investments have been made to:

  • The Beatrice Community Hospital opened its new facility on the north edge of Beatrice in February of 2012.  In 2016, a $7.2M clinical services expansion was completed.   
  • A new sports complex near the Beatrice High School facility. 
  • Recent improvements nearly complete to enhance the Beatrice Public Library facility. 
  • Restoration in 2012 of the Historic Carnegie Building (housing NGage, the Chamber, and Gage County Tourism offices). 
  • Renovation and restoration of the Gage County Courthouse. 
  • A two-phase downtown revitalization project, including street paying, sidewalks, concrete planters and historical lighting along 5th St. 

 

City of Beatrice website www.beatrice.ne.gov

City of Beatrice Facebook Page

City of Beatrice Twitter 

Quality of Life

Educational Facilities

School District 15 in Gage County covers 158 square miles. This Class 3 district is accredited "AA" by the Nebraska Department of Education and North Central Association. The public High School, built in 1998, has a maximum capacity of 900 and houses the Hevelone Center, a community performing arts facility. Beatrice High School seniors achieved a high score of 94.1 per cent in their writing assessment skills, out performing the statewide average of 93.9 per cent. Vocational courses offered in the High School include family science, auto mechanics, welding, wood working, drafting, electronics, and business classes. Southeast Community College through collaboration with the Beatrice High School has formed a Career Academy Partnership that will provide high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take college-level classes.


Recreational Facilities

Type of facilities in city or within 30 minutes

   Public Golf Course(s): 1
   Private Golf Course(s): 1
   Public Tennis Court(s): 10
   Public Swimming Pool(s): 2
   Public Park(s): 16
   Public Camp Ground(s): 3

Nearest Public Access to Lake or River: 8 mile(s)
Camping: Yes
Swimming: Yes
Fishing: Yes
Motorized Boats: Yes
Water Skiing/Tubing: Yes

Beatrice currently has 16 parks, including the Veteran's Memorial Park and the Skate Park. There are 12 ball diamonds, in which 6 are lighted, and Christenson Field. Recreational facilities include bowling, roller skating, miniature golfing, and a full-service YMCA facility. Through the direction of Beatrice Youth Recreation, softball, baseball, and midget football programs are available. Annual celebrations within Beatrice include the Gage County Fair in July and a Homestead Days Celebration with a parade the last weekend in June. Other recreational activities include golfing, a hike and bike trail, movie theatres, and a gun club.


Housing

Average Cost Per Square Foot of Single Units Built in Last 2 Years: $125
Average Monthly Rental - 3 Bedroom House: $610
Average Monthly Rental - 2 Bedroom Apartment: $460
Average Cost of Houses Sold (last 2 years): $90,700


Health Faciities

Number of Hospitals in Community: 1
Number of Beds in Hospital(s): 25
Number of Outpatient Clinics: 3

Medical Personnel in or Serving Community

Medical Doctor(s) / Physician Assistant(s): 25
Dentist(s) / Orthodontist(s): 10
Nurse(s) (registered or practical): 118
Optometrist(s) / Ophthalmologist(s): 6
Veterinarian(s): 4

The Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, with 18 active medical staff and about 100 consulting, affiliate and courtesy medical staff. The hospital employs four hospitalists and four emergency room doctors. The hospital provides a full range of services, including inpatient medical, surgical and intensive care, labor and delivery, outpatient surgery, monthly specialty clinics, physical, occupational and speech therapies, a laboratory, diagnostic imaging, a sleep study lab, a wellness center, a children’s clinic and a women’s clinic with two female OB-GYNs. Of the 18 active medical staff working at the hospital and living in Beatrice, there are: 9 Family Practice Physicians, 2 Internists, 2 OB-GYNs, 4 Hospitalists, and 1 General Surgeon. The Beatrice Community Hospital and Healthcare Center will be the first tenant in the Northgate Crossing development.


Commercial Services

Basic economic activities of Beatrice, the county seat, include manufacturing,retail and wholesale sales, tourism, and agricultural enterprises. Beatrice now has over 500 businesses, ranging from financial institutions, retail shops, restaurants, industry and services. Because Beatrice is the hub for Gage County, it has an extended primary trade area.

Machine Shops in City: 8
Tool & Die Services in City: 3
Electric Motor Repair Services in City: 1

Type of Newspaper in City: Daily
Local Radio Station(s): 2

Number of TV Channels Received without Cable: 6
Cable Antenna Television Serves City: Yes
Maximum Number of Cable Channels Received: 92

Number of Protestant Churches: 22
Number of Catholic Churches: 1

Number of Motels & Hotels in Community: 5
Total Number of Rooms Available: 266

Number of Banks in City: 6    

Chamber of Commerce: Yes
Chamber Executive is Full-Time: Yes


Community Notes

The City of Beatrice along with other entities work to make our area a pro-active business climate for ALL companies from manufacturing to technology. We are committed to providing information that will assist in your business decision to locate and/or expand in Beatrice.


Suggested Sites

City of Beatrice, Nebraska »
Gage County, Nebraska »
Main Street Beatrice, Nebraska »
Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce »

Local Development Contact

Walker Zulkoski
Executive Director

NGage
218 North 5th Street
Beatrice, Nebraska 68310
(402) 228-5869
Website »
Email>>

State Contacts

Courtney Dentlinger,Director
Neb. Dept. of Economic Development
PO Box 94666
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3125 
Email »
Website »

Mary Plettner, Economic Development Manager
Nebraska Public Power District
PO Box 499
1414 15th Street
Columbus, NE 68601
Phone: (402) 563-5534 
Fax: (402) 563-5090
E-mail »
Website »

Housing & Income

Households

5,422

Total Housing Units

6,070


Owner Occupied

3,310

Renter Occupied

2,112

Vacant

648

Median Home Value

$164,509


Average Home Value

$195,189

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

2.67%

Income Projection

Median Household

$51,225 $55,430


Average Household

$67,149 $76,471


Per Capita

$29,894 $34,098

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-13

Workforce Occupations

Labor Stats

Local Manufacturing Characteristics

Gage Area Growth Enterprise (NGage) promotes business development to enhance economic opportunities, amenities, and quality of life for the benefit of the residents of Beatrice and the surrounding communities of Gage County, Nebraska. NGage staff and Board collaborates with private, local, regional, and state organizations to form strategic alliances for building economic growth in Beatrice, Gage County, and Nebraska. The Beatrice area's top private industries are manufacturing, trade, transportation, and utilities; which makeup over one-third of the area's employment. The largest non-manufacturers include government, healthcare services, and utilities. Diversity in employment is the key to our success now and in the future.

Number of Manufacturing Plants in Community: 16
Number of Manufacturing Plants with Unions: 0
Number of Manufacturing Employees: 1,165

Local Labor Characteristics

The Beatrice area's top private industries are manufacturing, trade, transportation, and utilities; which make up over one-third of the area's employment. The largest non-manufacturers include government, health care services, and utilities. Diversity in employment is the key to our success now and in the future.

Workforce

Total Businesses

669

Total Employed

7,741

Workers 16+

5,701

2024 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

99

Employed

1,715

2024 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

67

Employed

1,315

2024 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

41

Employed

931

2024 Building Matl / Garden Equip

N

Businesses

16

Employed

764

2024 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

18

Employed

663

2024 Manufacturing Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

26

Employed

620

Some
High School

507

Graduated
High School

3,085

Associates
Degree

1,279

Bachelor's
Degree

1,229

Graduate
Degree

395

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

4,585

Non-Resident Commuters

1,015

Drive Alone

4,901

Carpooled

351

Public

0

Work At Home

263

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-13

Leading Employers

Business Climate

nebraska offers...


Leading Employers in Community

1. Business Name: Beatrice State Developmental Center
Service Sector: Services
Employment Number Total: 700
Products/Service: Home and school for the mentally handicapped

2. Business Name: Exmark Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Service Sector: Manufacturing
Employment Number Total: 340
Year Established: 1982
Products/Service: Commercial Turf Equipment

3. Business Name: Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center
Service Sector: Education & Health Services
Employment Number Total: 497
Products/Service: Medical

4. Business Name: Neapco Components
Service Sector: Manufacturing
Employment Number Total: 350
Year Established: 1981
Products/Service: Drive Line Components, Automotive Universal Joints, Constant
Velocity Joints, Assembled Drivelines for Agricultural & Recreational Vehicles

5. Business Name: Beatrice Public Schools
Service Sector: Education & Health Services
Employment Number Total: 273
Products/Service: Education

6. Business Name: Mosaic
Service Sector: Education & Health Services
Employment Number Total: 350
Products/Service: Home & School for the Mentally Handicapped

7. Business Name: Good Samaritan Society
Service Sector: Education & Health Services
Employment Number Total: 120
Products/Service: Nursing Home & Assisted Living

8. Business Name: City of Beatrice
Service Sector: Government
Employment Number Total: 130
Products/Service: Government

 

Government and Taxation

Tax Structure

Actual valuation of City of Beatrice for 2014:  576,030,067.00

Real Property Tax Rates ($ per $100 of actual value)

LocationTax Rates
City0.370223
County0.336924
School1.160844
Airport0.036900
Other0.0001187
Total2.018927
Bond Indebtness4,975,000
 665,000

All real property is subject to be taxed at its actual value. Agricultural land is valued at 75 percent of its actual value. Personal property that is used in a trade or business and is depreciable is subject to tax at its "net book value." All other personal property is exempt from taxation.

 


Municipal Services

Type of Government: Mayor/Council    
Comprehensive City Plan: Yes, 2006 (year)
City Manager: Yes    
City Engineer: Yes    
City Zoning Ordinance in Effect: Yes    
County Zoning Ordinance in Effect: Yes    
Garbage Service Provider: Private    
Public Library in City: Yes   

Percent of Streets Paved: 90 %
Number Full-Time Fire Department Personnel: 23
Number Volunteer Fire Department Personnel: 8
Number Full-Time Police Officers: 22

Fire Insurance Class
Inside City: ISO 3
Outside City: ISO 9

Beatrice, a first-class city, has a mayor-council form of government and a city administrator.

Workers Comp and Unemployment

Statewide

Monthly Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment data in Nebraska for October 2012

Civilian Labor ForceEmploymentUnemploymentUnemployment Rate (%)
1,026,289990,41835,8713.5

 

Gage County

Monthly Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment data in the Gage County, NE region for October 2012

Civilian Labor ForceEmploymentUnemploymentUnEmployment Rate (%)
12,03411,5185164.3

 

Southeast Nebraska

Monthly Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment data in the Southeast Region for October 2012

Civilian Labor ForceEmploymentUnemploymentUnemployment Rate (%)
60,41158,2032,2083.7

Available Real Estate

Assets

Available Buildings

Beatrice has buildings ranging in size from 10,000 s/f. to 274,000 s/f.

Details Available Online: Yes
Details Available in Print: Yes

Sites

Beatrice has four sites totaling 237.15 acres.

1) The Gage County Industrial Park is located in northwest Beatrice adjacent to the Beatrice Airport, with access off of U.S. Highway 77 a four-lane (north/south) expressway. A total of 74-acres are available in the Gage County Industrial Park. The 74-acre site is shovel ready (EAS Phase I and Geo Tech Study completed).

2) The Airport site has three 1.55 acre lots available. The Airport lots are prime/frontage property, as they face U.S. Highway 77.

3) The 155 acre multi use development, Northgate Crossing, is located in northwest Beatrice off of U.S. Highway 77.

Controlled  Sites Available in Community: 3

Suggested links for further information on available sites:
74 acre industrial site »

Transportation

Infrastructure

Motor Carriers

More than 13,500 licensed motor carriers with worldwide connections are based in Nebraska and serve businesses throughout North America.

Motor carriers

Number & Type of Roads Serving Community

 FederalStateCounty
Interstate Hwys   
Limited Access, Four-Lane Hwys1  
Improved Two-Lane Hwys11 
 Hwy. NameMiles 
Miles to nearest Interstate hwyInterstate 8039 
Miles to nearest four-lane hwyU.S. Highway 77  

 

U.S. Highways 77 (north-south) and 136 (east-west) intersect in Beatrice. East-west Nebraska Highway 4 also passes through the community. Currently, there aren't any local road restrictions. U.S. Highway 77 has been resurfaced and widened to a four-lane expressway connecting 39 miles north to Interstate 80 and Lincoln. U.S. Highway 136 connects to Interstate 29, 62 miles east. 

Trucking map

 

Transit Time for Carload or Truckload Lots

DestinationDistance byHwy MilesDays byRailroadDays byMotor Freight
Omaha99 1-2 days1 Day
Lincoln391-2 days1 Day
Chicago5631-3 days1-2 days
Dallas581 3-4 days2-3 days
Denver5241-3 days1-2 days
Kansas City1791-3 days1-2 days
Los Angeles15354-7 days2-3 days
Minneapolis4741-3 days1-2 days
New York13374-7 days3-5 days
St. Louis438 1-3 days2-3 days

Air

The Beatrice Airport, located in north Beatrice, is adjacent to the Industrial Parks which is just off U.S. Highway 77. The Beatrice Airport is a fully equipped airport for corporate jet traffic. The airport, covering 600 acres, is in a continuous expansion program. It has two lighted 100' wide concrete runways, one 5,600' long and the other 4,400' long. The airport has 100 Octane Low Lead Fuel, Jet Fuel, storage hangers, and transportation services available. Elevation is 1,318 feet. The Lincoln Commercial Airport is within 39 miles north of Beatrice. The Omaha Eppley Airport is 80 minutes from Beatrice and the Kansas City International Airport is just over 2 hours from Beatrice. All are served by most major airlines. Duncan Aviation, located adjacent to the Lincoln Airport, provides corporate jet services within 39 miles north of Beatrice.

Distance to nearest public airport: 1 minute(s)
Elevation: 1,318 feet
Length of longest runway: 5,600 feet
Runway lighted: Yes
Private aircraft storage available: Yes
Private aircraft maintenance available: Yes
Distance to nearest commercial air transportation: 39 minute(s)

Distance to nearest international airport
Omaha Eppley International: 99 miles
Kansas City International: 179 miles
Denver International: 517 miles

 


Barge

Beatrice is served by a branch line of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, with one freight train daily. Amtrak provides Lincoln, 39 miles north of Beatrice, with rail passenger service east to Chicago and west to Denver and San Francisco/Oakland. The Superliner features coach and first-class accommodations and dining car service. Travel time is l0 1/2 hours to Chicago and 39 hours to the West Coast. Amtrak has one train each way daily.

Utilities

Utilities

Water: Rated Capacity 9.5 mgd, Ave demand 4.2 mgd

Sewer: Rated Capacity 5.0 mgd, Ave demand 2.4 mgd

Rail: BNSF (sites can be optioned if rail service is required)


Electricity

State Electric Power Deregulated: No

Electric System Operator: City of Beatrice
phone -    (402) 228-5211

Wholesale Supplier: Nebraska Public Power District
Econ Dev: 800-282-6773 or 24-Hours: 877-275-6773
website »
e-mail »

Comments: Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), the state's largest electric utility, has a diverse mix of generation, including nuclear, coal, hydro, gas and oil, and wind. NPPD delivers power to approximately 1 million Nebraskans and has ample capacity to meet the needs of new loads. Nebraska's electric costs are among the lowest in the nation. NPPD's professional Economic Development Team is available to assist with expansion and retention of existing business and new business locations. Contact the Economic Development Team by emailing » or by calling (800) 282-6773. Further information can be found online »  Utility information can be found online »

Additional Comments: The City of Beatrice Board of Public Works retails power purchased from Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) to the citizens of Beatrice. The city is provided with three alternate 34,000-volt feeder lines from a 115,000-volt substation located on the northwest edge of the city. An additional 34,500-volt alternate feeder line is provided from a new 115,000-volt substation southeast of the city. Total transmissions system capacity is approximately 112 MVA. NPPD's 115,000-volt substations are an integral part of a 115,000-volt statewide system, which is supported with interconnections with the Southwest Area Power Pool. A portion of the distribution system is 12.5 kV with the remainder at 4.16 kV. The distribution system has a total transformer capacity of approximately 62.5 MVA.


Natural Gas

Natural Gas Service Available: Yes    
Supplier in Community: Black Hills Energy

Black Hills Energy is the retail supplier of natural gas in Beatrice. The transmission provider is Northern Gas Pipe Line. Black Hills Energy is a full-service natural gas distribution company with Nebraska headquarters in Lincoln. Natural gas with an average value of 1,000 BTU per cubic foot is available for residential, commercial, and industrial customers for base and peak use on a firm basis. Interruptible service is available for commercial and industrial customers with alternate fuel capability. Annual curtailment of interruptible customers varies with the type of service selected by the customer. Rates vary slightly due to seasonal and commodity price fluctuation. Current rates for the commercial/light industrial class customer, as well as one year’s history for the Nebraska Area 3, can be found on Black Hills’ website » Black Hills Energy has open transportation access on their system allowing for other providers (marketers) on their system. All marketers must be certified by the Nebraska Public Service Commission. Presently the Nebraska Public Service Commission's web site indicates tweleve certified marketers. Black Hills Energy's transportation rates are negotiated on a case-by-case basis for industrial customers with large usage. For further information, contact: Cheryl Brandenburgh, External Affairs Manager for Black Hills Energy-Nebraska at 402-437-1850 or e-mail »


Water

Provider: Beatrice Board of Public Works    
Major Source: wells    
If Wells, Average Depth: 225 feet
Rated Capacity: 9.5 mgd
Average Capacity: 4.200 mgd
Peak Demand: 8.900 mgd
Storage Capacity: 9,500,000 gallons
Hardness: 261 ppm
Treated: No    
Temperature Range: 54-70 (degrees Fahrenheit)

The municipal water system in Beatrice is supplied by 12 ground wells that range in depth from 95 - 225 feet. The system, serving 100 percent of the city's population, has a combined pumping capacity of 7,000 gallons per minute. Two elevated storage tanks have capacity for 1.5 million gallons of water and two underground storage reservoirs have a capacity of 8 million gallons for a total of 9.5 million gallons. The average daily water demand for the city is 2.4 million gallons, the historic peak demand is 6.7 million gallons, and the maximum daily capacity is 19.6 million gallons. The static pressure averages 60 pounds and the residual pressure averages 50 pounds per square inch.


Sanitation/Waste Water

Name of Provider: Beatrice Board of Public Works    
Type of Service: primary/secondary    
Rated Capacity: 5.000 (mgd)
Average Daily Demand: 1.2 (mgd)
Peak Demand: 4.400 (mgd)
Sewer Connection Fee: Yes

Beatrice has a municipal sanitary sewerage system consisting of a combination RBC and trickling filter system. The treatment plant, built in 1983, has a daily capacity of 5.0 million gallons. The average daily flow is 1.2 million gallons and the histroic peak daily discharge is 4.4 million gallons. An Ultraviolet Disinfection System was added to the plant in 1997 to help ensure safe discharge water.


Telecommunications

Name of Local Service Provider: Windstream Communications    
Number of Long Distance Service Providers: 2

Windstream Communications serves the Beatrice area with a digital central office fed by a self-healing fiber ring. DMS 100, fiber optic, T-carrier, ISDN, and DSL are provided as well as dialup and wireless 1+data. Dual feed from two switching offices is available. Fiber redundant diverse routing is available. A full-service retail and customer service center is located in Beatrice, providing customer's personal access to service representatives. Installation and maintenance personnel are also headquartered in Beatrice. Extended local calling area service to all communities in Gage County is available.