Arnold, Nebraska Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

The current estimated population of Arnold is 600, with a gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female. The population has remained stable, supported by its agricultural base and small-town charm in central Nebraska.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1883
  • County: Custer County
  • Land area: 0.6 square miles
  • Population density: 1,000 people per square mile
  • Area code: 308
  • Zip code: 69120

Geography and Location

Arnold is located in central Nebraska, within Custer County, about 60 miles northwest of North Platte. The town is surrounded by rolling farmland, with agriculture being the dominant industry in the area. Corn, soybeans, and livestock are the primary agricultural products in the region. Arnold experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The town is accessible via Nebraska Highway 92, which connects it to nearby towns and cities. The local economy is based on farming, small businesses, and services that cater to the surrounding rural community. Arnold’s small size and rural setting create a peaceful, close-knit community where residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle centered around agriculture and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.

Demographics

Median resident age: 43.9 years
Median household income: $25,500
Median house value: $37,700

Population by Race

Races in Arnold:

  • White Non-Hispanic (97.6%)
  • Hispanic (1.7%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: German (20.8%), English (14.4%), Irish (11.6%), United States (8.7%), Swedish (4.9%), Danish (3.5%).

Elevation: 2706 feet

Land area: 0.8 square miles

Population by Education

Arnold, Nebraska is a small town located in Custer County with a population of just over 1,000. It is a rural town where the majority of the residents are employed in farming and ranching. There are also a few small businesses in town that provide services to the local community. The town has one elementary school, one high school, and one library. The median age of Arnold’s population is just over 40 years old, and the median household income is around $40,000 per year. Despite its small size, Arnold has many amenities such as a grocery store, post office, bank and several restaurants. There are also several churches in the area for those looking for spiritual guidance or fellowship. With its low crime rate and friendly neighbors, Arnold is an ideal place to settle down and raise a family. Every summer there are several festivals held in Arnold to help bring the community together including an annual 4th of July celebration that features live music and fireworks. This event brings out people from all around Custer County who come together to celebrate their independence as Americans.

For population 25 years and over in Arnold

  • High school or higher: 86.1%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.0%
  • Unemployed: 0.8%
  • Mean travel time to work: 23.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Arnold village

  • Never married: 13.1%
  • Now married: 62.5%
  • Separated: 1.5%
  • Widowed: 12.9%
  • Divorced: 10.0%

0.2% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -49 (-7.2%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Arnold:

  • CALLAWAY DISTRICT HOSPITAL (about 20 miles; CALLAWAY, NE)
  • GOTHENBURG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 33 miles; GOTHENBURG, NE)
  • JENNIE M MELHAM MEMORIAL MED CENTER (about 40 miles; BROKEN BOW, NE)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Arnold:

  • NORTH PLATTE RGNL AIRPORT LEE BIRD FIELD (about 40 miles; NORTH PLATTE, NE; Abbreviation: LBF)
  • MC COOK MUNI (about 89 miles; MC COOK, NE; Abbreviation: MCK)
  • KEARNEY MUNI (about 96 miles; KEARNEY, NE; Abbreviation: EAR)

Other public-use airports nearest to Arnold:

  • QUINN FIELD (about 36 miles; GOTHENBURG, NE; Abbreviation: GTE)
  • BROKEN BOW MUNI (about 39 miles; BROKEN BOW, NE; Abbreviation: BBW)
  • COZAD MUNI (about 41 miles; COZAD, NE; Abbreviation: CZD)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Arnold:

  • UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY (about 87 miles; KEARNEY, NE; Full-time enrollment: 5,588)
  • CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 124 miles; GRAND ISLAND, NE; Full-time enrollment: 3,730)
  • NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 183 miles; NORFOLK, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,732)
  • FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 185 miles; HAYS, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,572)
  • CHADRON STATE COLLEGE (about 217 miles; CHADRON, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,144)
  • WAYNE STATE COLLEGE (about 226 miles; WAYNE, NE; Full-time enrollment: 3,026)
  • BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 232 miles; GREAT BEND, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,268)

Schools

Public high school in Arnold:

  • ARNOLD HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 118; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Arnold:

  • ARNOLD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 65; Grades: PK – 06)

Libraries

Library in Arnold:

  • FINCH MEMORIAL LIBRARY (Operating income: $12,376; Location: PO BOX 247; 7,818 books; 92 audio materials; 209 video materials; 21 serial subscriptions)