How McCook Stacks Up: What Niche.com Says About Life in Southwest Nebraska
- Anna LaBay
- Oct 28
- 3 min read
McCOOK, Neb. — A recent set of rankings from Niche.com, a national site that compiles data and user reviews on schools, neighborhoods, and towns, offers a mixed but generally positive snapshot of McCook — a community that scores high for affordability, stability, and family life, but draws some familiar critiques around diversity and entertainment options.
What is Niche.com
Niche is an online platform that gathers both government data and user-generated reviews to rank schools, colleges, companies, and communities across the country. It’s often used by families considering relocation, offering a blend of statistics such as cost of living and education quality, with firsthand impressions from residents.
McCook by the Numbers
According to Niche, McCook’s population of 7,360 gives it a “sparse suburban” feel, with 67% of residents owning their homes. The median home value is $137,400, compared to a national average of more than $300,000, and median rent comes in at $783.
McCook ranks relatively well in affordability categories, coming in #13 out of 52 for lowest cost of living in Nebraska and #2,747 of 18,046 nationwide. It also scores #25 in Nebraska for public schools, which are described as “above average.”
How McCook Ranks in Nebraska
Nationally, McCook’s strongest scores come in affordability and schools, with middling placement for livability and diversity.
What Residents Are Saying
The 20 user reviews on McCook’s Niche page paint a familiar, small-town portrait — one that residents might easily recognize.
Several reviewers describe McCook as a safe, family-oriented community where “people are friendly and willing to help if you ask.” Others highlight its parks, affordability, and supportive schools. One resident wrote, “We love living in McCook… it’s a safe town. We enjoy the parks, the opportunities the local community college provides, and the friendly people.”
However, some reviews echo long-standing challenges in small-town Nebraska life. A few commenters mention limited activities for teens, a lack of diversity, and job shortages. One user wrote that McCook “could definitely improve in several areas… there’s very little for anyone to do for teens or even families,” while another described it as “a great place to settle down and start a family” but “not much for young people.”
A handful of reviews expressed frustration with the community culture, including one sharply critical post describing negative personal experiences. But others pushed back against that view, calling McCook “welcoming,” “forward-thinking,” and “a small town with opportunities.”
The Bigger Picture
While Niche.com’s rankings are not an official measure — relying partly on user-submitted reviews and self-reported data — they do provide a glimpse into how McCook is seen by residents and outsiders alike. The overall tone reflects a town that values safety, affordability, and family connections, even as it grapples with familiar rural challenges like job growth and youth engagement.
As one recent reviewer summarized it:
“It’s a great place to live and raise a family… it has most everything you need, and most of the people are friendly.”
What Do You Think?
Do these rankings and reviews feel accurate to your experience living in McCook? Niche.com is a mix of data and user feedback — not an official report — so local insight matters most. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or on the McCook News Now Facebook page.
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