Living & Working in Grand Island
18.2%
AffordableModerateExpensive
AFFORDABLE (below the 30% threshold)
Housing Cost
18.2% of Income
Based on market salary data
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
Median home price is $350,000 . Buying analysis suggests renting is more cost-effective for short-term stays.
Neighborhoods by Value & Commute
South Locust
SUBURBAN100/100 Score
Rent Range$800/mo
Commute15 min to work
HVAC DemandMedium
Northwest Grand Island
URBAN100/100 Score
Rent Range$900/mo
Commute10 min to work
HVAC DemandHigh
Quick Decision Guide
Best Value
South Locust with rent under 30% of $50K salary
Shortest Commute
Northwest Grand Island, closest to work zones
Most HVAC Work
Northwest here, highest service demand
Family Friendly
South Locust, family-friendly with reasonable prices
Career Progression & Salary Guide
Entry Level
$30,000 - $40,000
Entry Level
Mid Level
$40,000 - $55,000
Experienced
Senior Level
$55,000 - $75,000
Senior
Major HVAC Employers
Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning
Known for: Comprehensive training programs and strong customer service focus.
Air Comfort Heating and Cooling
Known for: Career advancement opportunities and work-life balance initiatives.
Walmart (Refrigeration/HVAC Technician roles)
Known for: Competitive pay ($56,160 - $106,080 annually) and benefits.
Top-Rated School Districts in Grand Island, NE
- Northwest High School: Ranked among the best in the area by U.S. News.
- Doniphan-Trumbull Secondary: Recognized for academic performance and equity by GreatSchools.
- St. Paul Jr/Sr High School: Highly rated for student outcomes.
- Wood River Rural Schools: Noted for its rural education excellence.
Childcare Costs in Grand Island, NE
- Daycare: Average monthly cost ranges from $500 to $800, depending on the facility and age of the child. Subsidies may be available through the Nebraska DHHS.
- Nanny: Monthly rates typically range from $1,200 to $1,800, based on hours and responsibilities.
Recommended Pediatricians or Family Clinics
Financial Facts for Grand Island, NE
- State Income Tax Rate: Nebraska's state income tax rates range from 2.46% to 6.84% for 2023, depending on income brackets. Grand Island residents fall under this structure. For specific calculations, refer to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
- Property Tax Average: The average property tax rate in Grand Island is approximately 2.756% of assessed value, as reported in the 2023 Annual Report by the Nebraska Department of Revenue. The median property value is $202,600, resulting in an annual tax of around $5,600 for median-valued homes.
- Cost of Living Comparison: Grand Island's cost of living is approximately 15% lower than Omaha, NE, according to general cost-of-living calculators. Housing costs are notably lower, while other expenses like groceries and utilities are marginally cheaper.
- Growing Industries Creating Jobs: Key industries driving job growth include manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. The Grand Island Economic Development Corporation highlights expansions in food processing and transportation sectors, with companies like Hornady Manufacturing and Case New Holland contributing to employment growth.
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Essential HVAC Certifications
EPA Section 608 Universal
Local ProviderCentral Community College at 3134 W. Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68802.
Cost$150 (current pricing).
Duration1 day.
ScheduleOffered monthly; check website for exact dates.
Contact308-398-4222 | Website.
NATE Certification
Testing CenterNATE-approved testing centers available in Omaha (nearest major city).
Cost$150 per specialty (current pricing).
Prep CourseAvailable online; no local prep courses identified in Grand Island.
Available SpecialtiesCore + 5 specialties (Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces, etc.).
ContactWebsite.
NE HVAC Journeyman License
Requirements3,000 hours of experience under a licensed contractor + exam.
Exam LocationNebraska State Fire Marshal offices (nearest in Omaha).
Cost$100 application + $150 exam (current NE fees).
Study ResourcesCentral Community College offers preparatory courses.
Local HVAC Training Programs
Central Community College
ProgramHVAC Technology Program (1-year certificate).
Cost$3,500 total (current tuition).
Financial AidAvailable (FAFSA eligible).
Job Placement Rate80% (based on recent data).
Websitehttps://www.cccneb.edu/.
No additional local schools identified in Grand Island offering HVAC programs.