Median Income
$68,333
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,200
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.8%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$875
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.2%
94% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Alma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,176
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density1,023/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,333
Per Capita$39,327
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$267M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,200
Rent$875
Ownership80.6%
Zillow$185,809
Housing Units574
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property2,312/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking14.9%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain24.7 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,003 ft (611 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.8%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 16%
Commute17 min
Broadband77.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Alma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alma receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Alma offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alma is $68,333, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alma is $158,200, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Alma is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,312 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.7 inches, including 15.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Alma has a population of 1,176 with a density of 1,023 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Alma is $68,333, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,327. The average weekly wage is $869, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 128 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,333 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,327 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $869 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,154 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 128 |
| County GDP | $267M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Alma is $158,200, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,809, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $875 (25% 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. 80.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 574 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,500 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,200 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,809 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $875 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.4% |
| Housing Units | 574 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.84% |
In Alma, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 19.1% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,545. The dentist ratio is 1:3,054. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,545 |
| Dentists | 1:3,054 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,062/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Alma has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,312 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alma receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.2/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,312.1/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 24.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,003 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,003 ft (611 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,023/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1036°N, 99.3657°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Harlan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.7"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
146 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
99 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
103 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
114 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
94 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
89 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
73 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
611 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 6 fatalities, 108 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
98 km |
4 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
56 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
52 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
54 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
58 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
49 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
49 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
49 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
79 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
56 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Alma has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Alma. 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 Alma
What is the population of Alma?
Alma has a population of 1,176 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,023 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Alma expensive to live in?
Alma 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 $68,333, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,200 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alma safe?
Alma is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,312 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Alma receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alma?
Alma has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.7 inches, with 15.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Alma?
The job market in Alma is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $869. There are 128 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alma?
The median home value in Alma is $158,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,809. For renters, the median monthly rent is $875. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,500.
How are the schools in Alma?
Schools in Alma score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.8% of adults in Alma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alma?
The obesity rate in Alma is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,545.
What is transportation like in Alma?
The average commute in Alma is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alma is 95.7% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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