2023 March 22, Wednesday
BlairToday Staff
Blair, Nebraska, is a small yet vibrant city located in Washington County, in the eastern part of the state. Offering a welcoming community, affordable living, and access to various amenities, Blair is an appealing choice for those considering relocation. Before making the move, here are some key factors to consider:
Population and Location
Blair is home to approximately 7,892 residents and has a population density of 1,432.5 people per square mile. The city covers an area of around 5.5 square miles and is situated at an elevation of about 1,070 feet above sea level. Blair serves as the county seat of Washington County and is the largest city in the county.
Local Employers: Cargill and Dollar General Warehouse
Blair is home to several significant employers, including Cargill and Dollar General Warehouse. Cargill, a leading agribusiness company, has a presence in Blair and offers job opportunities in areas such as manufacturing technology and oilseeds processing. Dollar General has invested in an $85 million complex on 85 acres just off Highway 75. The complex serves as a distribution center for the company, employing 400 people and bringing $106 million to the Omaha metro area economy. It is the sixth project Clayco has constructed for Dollar General and includes a 1.1 million-square-foot cold storage and distribution facility located in Blair.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Blair, Nebraska, is relatively affordable compared to the national average. Blair’s housing expenses are approximately 12% lower than the national average, and utility prices are about 17% lower. Transportation expenses, such as bus fares and gas prices, are also approximately 5% lower than the national average. The median home cost in Blair is around $224,900, with Blair public schools spending approximately $10,689 per student. The cost of living in Blair is 9% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 25% lower than the national average. Overall, Blair offers an affordable living environment for residents.
Housing Options
When it comes to housing options, Blair offers a range of choices for both renters and homeowners. Most homes in Blair are owned, but there are rental houses available. Rental apartments are also available, including 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom options with a variety of layouts. Although 3-bedroom apartments are available, they are harder to find, so it’s important to give yourself some lead time if you need multiple bedrooms. Blair’s cost of living and housing costs are appealing factors for those considering relocating to the area​. Source: 20 Best Apartments For Rent In Blair, NE (with pictures)
Neighborhoods and Transportation
Since Blair is relatively small, it is not divided into different neighborhoods. However, there are various parts of the town to consider when looking for a place to live. The historic part of downtown Blair is located on Washington Street between Fifteenth and Eighteenth Street. For a more urban residential feel, consider looking north of Nebraska Street between 10th Street and 16th Street. The more rural communities can be found along Skyline Drive, Clark Street, and South 13th Street. It’s important to note that Nebraska has a lack of public transportation, making it challenging to get around the state.
Education in Blair, Nebraska
Blair, Nebraska, is home to a public school district known as Blair Community Schools. The district provides educational services to students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. With a student population of 2,220 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, Blair Community Schools offers a range of educational programs and resources to support the academic and extracurricular needs of students.
Elementary Schools:
- Blair North Elementary School
- Deerfield Elementary School
- Blair South Elementary School
- Blair Arbor Park Intermediate School
Middle School:
- Gerald Otte Blair Middle School
High School:
- Blair High School
Blair High School is the only high school in Blair Community Schools and is located at 440 N 10th St, Blair, Nebraska. The school serves students in grades 9 through 12 and has a total enrollment of 672 students. Blair High School is ranked 40th within Nebraska and offers Advanced Placement® (AP®) coursework and exams, with an AP® participation rate of 12%. The school’s proficiency rates in mathematics, reading, and science are 40%, 46%, and 36%, respectively, and it has a graduation rate of 95%. Blair High School is known for its commitment to providing students with opportunities for academic success and preparing them for college-level coursework. Source: ​20 Best Apartments For Rent In Blair, NE (with pictures)
Things to Do and Points of Interest
Blair boasts a variety of recreational activities, including golfing at local golf courses, cycling or walking on trail systems, boating, fishing, and enjoying the Missouri River. Blair is home to two historic houses listed on the National Registry of Historic Places: the Crowell House, built in 1901, and the Castetter House, built in 1876, which still has its original horse stalls. The Washington County Museum and the Frahm House at Fort Calhoun offer opportunities for historical exploration. Blair’s proximity to Omaha, just 30 miles away, allows residents to access additional cultural attractions such as the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, and the Durham Museum. Source: 20 Best Apartments For Rent In Blair, NE (with pictures)
Police Force and Public Safety
The Blair Police Department is committed to reducing and preventing crime, disorder, and fear in the community. The department is led by Chief of Police Joseph M. Lager, who emphasizes the importance of creativity and innovation in working with neighborhoods to improve public safety. The Blair Police Department is located at 1730 Lincoln Street, Blair, NE, and can be reached by phone at 402.426.4747. Source:​ Police Department | Blair, NE – Official Website.
In Blair, Nebraska, the weather varies significantly throughout the year, with distinct hot and cold seasons, variations in humidity, precipitation, and wind.
Temperature: The hot season in Blair lasts for approximately four months, from May 21 to September 21, with an average daily high temperature above 76°F. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 86°F and an average low of 66°F. Conversely, the cold season lasts for three months, from November 27 to February 27, with an average daily high temperature below 43°F. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average low of 17°F and an average high of 34°F. Source: ​Blair Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Nebraska, United States) – Weather Spark
Humidity: Blair experiences extreme seasonal variation in humidity levels. The muggier period of the year lasts for about 3.3 months, from June 6 to September 15, during which time the comfort level is muggy, oppressive, or miserable at least 14% of the time. July has the highest number of muggy days, with 15.9 days that are muggy or worse. On the other hand, the least muggy day of the year is February 23, when muggy conditions are essentially unheard of​.
Precipitation: Blair experiences both wetter and drier seasons. The wetter season lasts for 5.5 months, from April 10 to September 26, with a greater than 25% chance of a given day being a wet day. June is the month with the most wet days, with an average of 12.1 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season lasts for 6.5 months, from September 26 to April 10, with January having the fewest wet days, averaging 2.4 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. Rain is the most common form of precipitation for 9.9 months, from February 14 to December 13, with June having the most days of rain alone. Snow is most common for 2.1 months, from December 13 to February 14, with January having the most days of snow alone.
Wind: The wind in Blair also experiences seasonal variation. The windier part of the year lasts for 7.5 months, from October 10 to May 28, with average wind speeds of more than 10.9 miles per hour. April is the windiest month, with an average hourly wind speed of 12.9 miles per hour. The calmer time of the year lasts for 4.5 months, from May 28 to October 10, with August being the calmest month, having an average hourly wind speed of 8.9 miles per hour.
Overall, the weather in Blair, Nebraska is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with seasonal variations in humidity, precipitation, and wind. The summer months tend to be muggy and humid, while the winter months bring colder temperatures and the possibility of snowfall.
In conclusion, Blair, Nebraska, offers a small-town atmosphere with the benefits of being part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area. With affordable living costs, employment opportunities, and a strong sense of community, Blair is a place worth considering for those looking to relocate.
