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Beatrice, NE

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Beatrice, NE

Beatrice is a city in and the county seat of Gage County, Nebraska, United States. Its population was 12,261 at the 2020 census, making it the 15th most populous city in Nebraska. Beatrice is located approximately 25 miles south of Lincoln on the Big Blue River.

Gage County was one of the 19 counties originally established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature in 1854. At the time of its establishment, there were no settlers living within its boundaries.

In 1857, the steamboat Hannibal, carrying 300 passengers up the Missouri River from St. Louis, Missouri to Nebraska City, Nebraska, ran aground near Kansas City, Missouri. While it was stranded, 35 of the passengers agreed to form the "Nebraska Association", under which name they would unite in seeking a townsite and establishing a settlement in the territory.

After reaching Nebraska City, the Association divided itself into two exploratory parties, one of which went directly westward and the other southwest. The latter party located the site of Beatrice, at the point where the DeRoin Trail crossed the Big Blue River, and the whole Association decided to settle there. The settlement was named after Julia Beatrice Kinney, the 17-year-old daughter of Judge John F. Kinney, a member of the Association.

The Territorial Legislature selected Beatrice as the county seat of Gage County in 1857. The decision was challenged by Blue Springs, but was confirmed by the Legislature in 1859. In 1864, the Legislature dissolved the original Clay County (not the current Clay County, Nebraska), dividing its land between Gage and Lancaster Counties. The addition of this ground in the north placed Beatrice near the center of the enlarged county, strengthening its claim to the county seat. It continues to hold that position today.

Beatrice is located at 40°16′6″N 96°44′35″W (40.268449, -96.743192). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.11 square miles (23.59 km²), of which 9.02 square miles (23.36 km²) is land and 0.09 square miles (0.23 km²) is water.

Beatrice, NE prioritizes health and wellness for its residents. Beatrice boasts a robust healthcare system anchored by facilities such as the Beatrice Community Hospital & Health Center. These institutions offer a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare close to home. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Beatrice Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness, YMCA  and Jazzercise. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Beatrice, such as the Homestead Trail and Chief Standing Bear Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Beatrice, NE are Beatrice Big Blue Water Park, Gage County Museum, and Community Players.

Population: 12,262 (2023). ZIP code: 68310. Area code(s): 402. Elevation: 1,089 feet (332 meters). Area: 7.62 square miles (19.74 km²).

FAQs

What was Beatrice, NE named after?

The town of Beatrice was founded in 1857 by a group of pioneers from St. Louis, traveling by the steamer "Hannibal" up the Missouri River to the new territory of Nebraska thus ‘Staking Their Claim’ in the Nebraska Territory. The City of Beatrice was named after Julia Beatrice Kinney, the 17-year-old daughter of Judge John F. Kinney, a member of the settlers. The Territorial Legislature selected Beatrice as the county seat of Gage County in 1857.

What is the industry in Beatrice, NE?

The economy of Beatrice, NE employs 5.82k people. The largest industries in Beatrice, NE are Health Care & Social Assistance (1,278 people), Manufacturing (959 people), and Retail Trade (674 people), and the highest paying industries are Utilities ($88,607), Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($66,354), and Wholesale Trade ($62,566). In 2022, Beatrice, NE had a population of 12.2k people with a median age of 42.9 and a median household income of $49,537. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Beatrice, NE declined from 12,276 to 12,237, a −0.318% decrease and its median household income grew from $45,858 to $49,537, a 8.02% increase.

Is Beatrice, NE a good place to live?

Beatrice is in Gage County. Living in Beatrice offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Beatrice and residents tend to be conservative.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Beatrice

Beatrice Community Hospital & Health Center

Beatrice Parks and Recreation Department

Anytime Fitness

YMCA  

Jazzercise 

Homestead Trail 

Chief Standing Bear Trail

Beatrice Big Blue Water Park

Gage County Museum

Community Players

DataUSA

Niche

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