Kimball, Nebraska

City in and county seat of Kimball County, Nebraska, United States

City in Nebraska, United States

Kimball, Nebraska

City

Kimball City Hall

Location within Kimball County and Nebraska

Coordinates: 41°14′01″N 103°39′05″W﻿ / ﻿41.23361°N 103.65139°W﻿ / 41.23361; -103.65139
Country| United States
State| Nebraska
County| Kimball
Area

[1]

• Total| 2.07 sq mi (5.36 km2)
• Land| 2.07 sq mi (5.36 km2)
• Water| 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation

[2]

| 4,725 ft (1,440 m)
Population

(2020)

• Total| 2,290
• Density| 1,105.75/sq mi (426.89/km2)
Time zone| UTC−7 (Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)| UTC−6 (MDT)
ZIP code|

69145

Area code| 308
FIPS code| 31-25475
GNIS feature ID| 2395530[2]
Website| kimballne.org

Kimball is a city in and county seat of Kimball County, Nebraska, United States.[3] The population was 2,290 at the 2020 census.

## History[edit]

Aerial view of Kimball in 1925

Kimball was originally called Antelopeville, and under the latter name was established circa 1870 when the Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point.[4][5] It initially consisted of a telegraph and coal station with a siding and section house.[6] It was renamed in 1885 in honor of Thomas Lord Kimball, a railroad official.[7] Kimball was incorporated in 1888.[8]

## Geography[edit]

High Plains Co-op grain elevator

Kimball is located in the southwestern Panhandle. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.07 square miles (5.36 km2), all land.[9]

Kimball declares itself as "The High Point of Nebraska!", as the highest point in the state is approximately 33 miles (53 km) from the city. Panorama Point, 5,424 feet (1,653 m) above sea level, is located at N 41 degrees 00.461 minutes, W 104 degrees 01.883 minutes. It is marked by a small monument.[10] Kimball itself is not the Nebraska town with the highest elevation: that status belongs to Harrison, at 4,876 feet (1,486 m).[11]

## Demographics[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1890| 193| | —
1900| 254| | 31.6%
1910| 454| | 78.7%
1920| 1,620| | 256.8%
1930| 1,711| | 5.6%
1940| 1,725| | 0.8%
1950| 2,048| | 18.7%
1960| 4,384| | 114.1%
1970| 3,680| | −16.1%
1980| 3,120| | −15.2%
1990| 2,574| | −17.5%
2000| 2,559| | −0.6%
2010| 2,496| | −2.5%
2020| 2,290| | −8.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[12]
2012 Estimate[13]

### 2010 census[edit]

As of the census[14] of 2010, there were 2,496 people, 1,110 households, and 651 families living in the city. The population density was 1,205.8 inhabitants per square mile (465.6/km2). There were 1,278 housing units at an average density of 617.4 per square mile (238.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.8% White, 0.2% African American, 1.5% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.6% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.1% of the population.

There were 1,110 households, of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.4% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 44.8 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 23.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

### 2000 census[edit]

Downtown Kimball

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,559 people, 1,110 households, and 700 families living in the city. The population density was 1,665.8 inhabitants per square mile (643.2/km2). There were 1,210 housing units at an average density of 787.6 per square mile (304.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.25% White, 0.35% African American, 1.06% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 1.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.52% of the population.

There were 1,110 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.

As of 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $29,984, and the median income for a family was $37,273. Males had a median income of $29,222 versus $18,198 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,762. About 7.9% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

## Climate[edit]

Kimball, like much of western Nebraska, has a climate on the border between humid continental (Köppen Dfa/Dfb/Dwa/Dwb) and cool semi-arid (BSk). The climate is characterised by cold and extremely variable winters that can range from quite warm days due to chinook winds to bitter cold under the influence of Arctic air from Canada. Spring is also variable, but heats up gradually, and features frequent thunderstorms that make this the wettest time of year, whilst summer is very warm to hot and can range from extremes of heat and drought to cooler weather with heavy rainfall. The fall season is drier than the spring and gradually cools down, although warm spells due to the chinook are always possible.

Climate data for Kimball, Nebraska (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–2017)

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °F (°C)  | 74
(23)  | 76
(24)  | 82
(28)  | 95
(35)  | 101
(38)  | 108
(42)  | 110
(43)  | 106
(41)  | 102
(39)  | 94
(34)  | 83
(28)  | 75
(24)  | 110
(43)
Mean maximum °F (°C)  | 62.4
(16.9)  | 65.1
(18.4)  | 73.9
(23.3)  | 81.4
(27.4)  | 89.5
(31.9)  | 95.5
(35.3)  | 99.5
(37.5)  | 97.9
(36.6)  | 93.0
(33.9)  | 84.2
(29.0)  | 73.3
(22.9)  | 63.1
(17.3)  | 100.4
(38.0)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)  | 40.3
(4.6)  | 42.2
(5.7)  | 51.5
(10.8)  | 58.0
(14.4)  | 67.3
(19.6)  | 79.5
(26.4)  | 86.2
(30.1)  | 84.2
(29.0)  | 76.5
(24.7)  | 62.2
(16.8)  | 49.5
(9.7)  | 40.6
(4.8)  | 61.5
(16.4)
Daily mean °F (°C)  | 26.7
(−2.9)  | 28.2
(−2.1)  | 36.7
(2.6)  | 43.5
(6.4)  | 53.4
(11.9)  | 64.4
(18.0)  | 70.8
(21.6)  | 68.5
(20.3)  | 59.8
(15.4)  | 46.3
(7.9)  | 34.9
(1.6)  | 26.7
(−2.9)  | 46.7
(8.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)  | 13.0
(−10.6)  | 14.1
(−9.9)  | 22.0
(−5.6)  | 29.0
(−1.7)  | 39.5
(4.2)  | 49.3
(9.6)  | 55.4
(13.0)  | 52.7
(11.5)  | 43.2
(6.2)  | 30.5
(−0.8)  | 20.3
(−6.5)  | 12.8
(−10.7)  | 31.8
(−0.1)
Mean minimum °F (°C)  | −6.2
(−21.2)  | −5.6
(−20.9)  | 5.9
(−14.5)  | 15.8
(−9.0)  | 26.9
(−2.8)  | 38.4
(3.6)  | 47.5
(8.6)  | 45.7
(7.6)  | 29.4
(−1.4)  | 16.4
(−8.7)  | 3.3
(−15.9)  | −8.2
(−22.3)  | −16.9
(−27.2)
Record low °F (°C)  | −36
(−38)  | −30
(−34)  | −20
(−29)  | −11
(−24)  | 8
(−13)  | 28
(−2)  | 37
(3)  | 26
(−3)  | 11
(−12)  | 0
(−18)  | −18
(−28)  | −35
(−37)  | −36
(−38)
Average precipitation inches (mm)  | 0.28
(7.1)  | 0.40
(10)  | 0.87
(22)  | 1.70
(43)  | 2.82
(72)  | 2.35
(60)  | 2.07
(53)  | 1.77
(45)  | 1.42
(36)  | 1.20
(30)  | 0.50
(13)  | 0.45
(11)  | 15.83
(402)
Average snowfall inches (cm)  | 3.5
(8.9)  | 4.6
(12)  | 4.8
(12)  | 3.9
(9.9)  | 1.0
(2.5)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.3
(0.76)  | 1.8
(4.6)  | 4.1
(10)  | 5.8
(15)  | 29.8
(76)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 3.0  | 4.2  | 4.9  | 7.1  | 10.7  | 9.0  | 9.0  | 8.2  | 6.8  | 5.7  | 3.7  | 3.7  | 76.0
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 2.7  | 3.6  | 2.9  | 1.9  | 0.3  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.2  | 0.7  | 2.4  | 3.3  | 18.0
Source: NOAA (mean maxima/minima 1981-2010)[15][16]

## Economy[edit]

Oil well in Kimball

The Kimball Wind Farm was upgraded from 10.5 to 30MW in 2018. Its annual power generation capacity is sufficient for approximately 11,000 homes.[17][18][19]

A number of small oil and gas producers are based in Kimball.[20]

## Media[edit]

The weekly Western Nebraska Observer, serving Kimball and Banner counties, is published in Kimball.[21]

## Parks and recreation[edit]

Kimball has two parks: City Park and Gotte Park. The latter includes the municipal swimming pool.[22] The 18-hole Four Winds Golf Course is also operated by the city parks and recreation department.[23]

## Transportation[edit]

Interstate 80 runs east–west, just south of Kimball; there is an exit for the city. U.S. Route 30 runs east–west through the city. Nebraska Highway 71 runs north–south through Kimball.[24]

The Kimball Airport Authority operates an airport 3 miles (5 km) south of the city.[25]

The Kimball County Shuttle provides public transportation. The shuttle is equipped for wheelchair accessibility.[26]

## Notable people[edit]

* Arthur L. Miller, Congressman and Mayor of Kimball 1933-34

## See also[edit]

* Nebraska portal

* List of municipalities in Nebraska

## References[edit]

1. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Kimball, Nebraska
3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
4. ^ Burr, George L. (1921). History of Hamilton and Clay Counties, Nebraska, Volume 1. S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. p. 123.
5. ^ "Kimball, Kimball County". Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies. University of Nebraska. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
6. ^ Bowman, J. R. (1882). Shearer, Frederick E. (ed.). The Pacific tourist. J.R. Bowman's illustrated transcontinental guide of travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. New York: J.R. Bowman. p. 59\. OCLC 752667534. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
7. ^ Exploring Nebraska Highways: Trip Trivia. Exploring America's Highway. 2007. p. 58\. ISBN 978-0-9744358-7-9.
8. ^ Shumway, Grant Lee (1921). History of Western Nebraska and Its People. Western publishing & engraving Company. p. 329.
9. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
10. ^ "Panorama Point - The Highest Point in Nebraska". Archived May 23, 2013, at the Wayback Machine City of Kimball website. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
11. ^ "Nebraska's 'Top Town'". Archived 2011-07-17 at the Wayback Machine Sioux County Travel and Tourism website. Archived 2011-07-17 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2010-08-31.
12. ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved October 19, 2013.
13. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
15. ^ "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
16. ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
17. ^ "Kimball Wind Facility Goes Online". NMPP Energy. August 2, 2018. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
18. ^ Mooney, Kevin (March 6, 2017). "Larger Kimball wind project to replace existing one". KNEB. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
19. ^ Lillian, Betsy (July 31, 2018). "GE-Powered Kimball Wind Project Begins Operations In Nebraska". North American Windpower. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
20. ^ "Oil & Gas Production in Kimball County, NE". Drilling Edge. February 1, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
21. ^ "About Western Nebraska Observer". Western Nebraska Observer. Retrieved 2013-11-07.
22. ^ "City & Gotte Parks". Archived January 27, 2020, at the Wayback Machine Welcome to Kimball, Nebraska. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
23. ^ "Four Winds Golf Course". Archived February 24, 2020, at the Wayback Machine Welcome to Kimball, Nebraska. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
24. ^ "General Highway Map, Kimball County, Nebraska". Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Nebraska Department of Roads. Archived 2011-09-05 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2013-11-13.
25. ^ "Kimball Municipal Airport/Robert E Arraj Field". AirNav.com. Retrieved 2013-11-07.
26. ^ Kimball County Shuttle. Archived October 26, 2021, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2013-11-08.

## External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kimball, Nebraska.

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Kimball (Nebraska).

* Official website

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Municipalities and communities of Kimball County, Nebraska, United States

County seat: Kimball

City|

* Kimball

Map of Nebraska highlighting Kimball County

Villages|

* Bushnell
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Unincorporated
communities|

* Jacinto
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