Median Income
$50,000
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,500
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.3%
84% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,075
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.8%
100% higher than US avg
How Alda Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population585
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,045/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$50,000
Per Capita$23,239
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty24.8%
County GDP$5,285M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,500
Rent$1,075
Ownership84.9%
Zillow$248,005
Housing Units209
Rent Burden21.1%
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured17.6%
Smoking14.0%
Depression17.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.6 in/yr
Elevation1,915 ft (584 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.3%
High School+69.6%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute19 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations11
Libraries2
Is Alda a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alda receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Alda offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alda is $50,000, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. The poverty rate of 24.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alda is $86,500, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Alda experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.6 inches, including 27.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Alda has a population of 585 with a density of 1,045 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (66.7%), with 36.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 73.2% of residents, while 22.2% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
585
Total Population
2023 Census
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
73.2%
7% below US avg
Spanish
22.2%
66% above US avg
The median household income in Alda is $50,000, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,239 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,044, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,982 business establishments, including 166 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,000 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,239 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,044 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,081 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.8% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,982 |
| County GDP | $5,285M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 166 |
| Healthcare | 216 |
| Retail | 295 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,516 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Alda is $86,500, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,005, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,075 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 209 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $5,516 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,500 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,005 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,075 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.1% |
| Housing Units | 209 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,516 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.38% |
In Alda, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 17.8% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 17.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,722. The dentist ratio is 1:1,109. 88.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alda vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 17.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.4% |
| Uninsured | 17.6% |
| 105% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,722 |
| Dentists | 1:1,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:227 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,360/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 216 |
Alda experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. 77% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,915 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,915 ft (584 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,045/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8666°N, 98.4679°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.6"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 76.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
83 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
101 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
128 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
73 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
776 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 423 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
36 km |
4 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
15 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
11 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
76 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Alda has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Alda. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alda
What is the population of Alda?
Alda has a population of 585 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,045 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Alda expensive to live in?
Alda is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,000, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,500 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Alda?
Alda has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 26.6 inches, with 27.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Alda?
The job market in Alda is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,044. There are 1,982 business establishments in the area, including 166 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alda?
The median home value in Alda is $86,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,005. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,075. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,516.
How are the schools in Alda?
Schools in Alda score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.3% of adults in Alda hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.6% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alda?
The obesity rate in Alda is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 17.8% of residents report depression. 17.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 88.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,722.
What is transportation like in Alda?
The average commute in Alda is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alda?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alda is 66.7% White, 36.2% Hispanic or Latino. 73.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 22.2% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 82.4% have health insurance coverage.