Ainsworth, Nebraska Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

The current estimated population of Ainsworth is 1,600, with 48% male and 52% female. The population has remained stable, with some growth driven by its role as a regional agricultural hub.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1883
  • County: Brown County
  • Land area: 1.2 square miles
  • Population density: 1,333 people per square mile
  • Area code: 402
  • Zip code: 69210

Geography and Location

Ainsworth is located in north-central Nebraska, in Brown County. The town is situated along U.S. Highway 20, a major east-west route that connects it to larger towns and cities. Ainsworth is surrounded by the vast prairies of the Sandhills region, which is known for its cattle ranching and grasslands. The area’s landscape includes rolling sand dunes, grasslands, and small rivers. Ainsworth has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters typical of the Great Plains region.

Demographics

Median resident age: 43.3 years
Median household income: $29,357
Median house value: $45,000

Population by Race

Races in Ainsworth:

  • White Non-Hispanic (98.2%)
  • Two or more races (0.6%)

Ancestries: German (37.6%), English (12.6%), Irish (11.2%), United States (9.0%), Swedish (4.6%), French (3.2%).

Elevation: 2520 feet

Land area: 1.0 square miles

Population by Education

Ainsworth, Nebraska is a small town with a population of 2,000 people. It is located in the northern part of the state, just off of Interstate 80. The town has a rural feel to it and is known for its friendly people and small-town charm.

The economy of Ainsworth is largely based on agriculture and tourism. The town also serves as a hub for smaller communities in the area, providing services such as banking and medical care. The cost of living in Ainsworth is relatively low compared to other parts of Nebraska and the United States as a whole. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs between $500-$800 per month, while groceries are generally around 10% cheaper than the national average. Property taxes are also lower than average, making it an attractive place to live for those who want to purchase or rent homes at an affordable price.

The area surrounding Ainsworth offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hunting, and hiking. There are also several local attractions including museums and historic sites that provide insight into the history of the region. Additionally, there are many recreational opportunities available such as golf courses and public parks. With its low cost of living and abundance of outdoor activities, Ainsworth provides residents with plenty to do while still allowing them to keep their expenses low.

For population 25 years and over in Ainsworth

  • High school or higher: 81.9%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.1%
  • Unemployed: 1.7%
  • Mean travel time to work: 10.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Ainsworth city

  • Never married: 17.2%
  • Now married: 60.2%
  • Separated: 1.1%
  • Widowed: 12.2%
  • Divorced: 9.3%

0.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -79 (-4.1%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Ainsworth:

  • BROWN COUNTY HOSPITAL (945 EAST ZERO STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Ainsworth:

  • ROCK COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; BASSETT, NE)
  • WINNER REGIONAL HEALTHCARE CENTER (about 52 miles; WINNER, SD)
  • CHERRY COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 56 miles; VALENTINE, NE)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Ainsworth:

  • NORTH PLATTE RGNL AIRPORT LEE BIRD FIELD (about 114 miles; NORTH PLATTE, NE; Abbreviation: LBF)
  • PIERRE REGIONAL (about 129 miles; PIERRE, SD; Abbreviation: PIR)
  • KEARNEY MUNI (about 140 miles; KEARNEY, NE; Abbreviation: EAR)

Other public-use airports nearest to Ainsworth:

  • AINSWORTH MUNI (about 9 miles; AINSWORTH, NE; Abbreviation: ANW)
  • ROCK COUNTY (about 21 miles; BASSETT, NE; Abbreviation: RBE)
  • SPRINGVIEW MUNI (about 21 miles; SPRINGVIEW, NE; Abbreviation: 9V1)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Ainsworth:

  • UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY (about 129 miles; KEARNEY, NE; Full-time enrollment: 5,588)
  • CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 149 miles; GRAND ISLAND, NE; Full-time enrollment: 3,730)
  • NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 163 miles; NORFOLK, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,732)
  • WAYNE STATE COLLEGE (about 197 miles; WAYNE, NE; Full-time enrollment: 3,026)
  • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA (about 203 miles; VERMILLION, SD; Full-time enrollment: 6,014)
  • CHADRON STATE COLLEGE (about 219 miles; CHADRON, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,144)
  • NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 222 miles; ABERDEEN, SD; Full-time enrollment: 2,356)

Schools

Public high school in Ainsworth:

  • AINSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 215; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Ainsworth:

  • AINSWORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 161; Grades: PK – 06)
  • AINSWORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 151; Grades: 04 – 08)
  • JOHNSTOWN ATTENDANCE CENTER (Students: 14; Grades: PK – 06)
  • BUFFALO FLATS PUBLIC SCHOOL (Students: 11; Grades: PK – 08)
  • RAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOL (Students: 10; Grades: PK – 08)
  • WESTSIDE PUBLIC SCHOOL (Students: 8; Grades: PK – 08)
  • HIGHLAND GROVE PUBLIC SCHOOL (Students: 8; Grades: PK – 08)
  • EDDY’S SCHOOL (Students: 5; Grades: PK – 08)

Libraries

Library in Ainsworth:

  • AINSWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $64,623; Location: 5TH AND NORTH MAIN STREET; 23,707 books; 707 audio materials; 356 video materials; 88 serial subscriptions)