Median Income
$37,083
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$60,500
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
104/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$667
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.4%
113% higher than US avg
How Almena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population447
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density733/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$37,083
Per Capita$30,882
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty26.4%
County GDP$357M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$60,500
Rent$667
Ownership61.9%
Zillow$104,492
Housing Units259
Rent Burden40.7%
Crime
F
Violent104/100K
Property1,426/100K
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking18.2%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain23.1 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,153 ft (656 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score6.26
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute18 min
Broadband85.6%
Libraries3
Is Almena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Almena receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Almena has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Almena is $37,083, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 26.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Almena is $60,500, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $667 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Almena is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,426 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Almena experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.1 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Almena has a population of 447 with a density of 733 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.3% of residents, while 13.7% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.3%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.7%
2% above US avg
The median household income in Almena is $37,083, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,882 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $909, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 196 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,083 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,882 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $909 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,671 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.4% |
| 113% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 196 |
| County GDP | $357M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 3.5% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Almena is $60,500, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,492, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $667 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 259 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $3,325. 40.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $60,500 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $104,492 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $667 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.1% |
| Housing Units | 259 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.50% |
In Almena, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,336. The dentist ratio is 1:1,767. 62.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Almena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,336 |
| Dentists | 1:1,767 |
| Mental Health | 1:888 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,015/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Almena has a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,426 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Almena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Almena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 104.3/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,425.6/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Almena experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 326 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 23.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,153 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,153 ft (656 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 733/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8913°N, 99.7096°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Norton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK) 52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.1"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
143 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 |
79 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
81 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
62 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
44 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
582 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 133 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
97 km |
5 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
59 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
53 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
53 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
22 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
48 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
48 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
73 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
66 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Almena has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°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 (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Almena. 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 | $804 |
| Toddler | $717 |
| Preschool | $625 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $565 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Almena
What is the population of Almena?
Almena has a population of 447 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 733 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Almena expensive to live in?
Almena 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 $37,083, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $60,500 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $667 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Almena safe?
Almena is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,426 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Almena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Almena?
Almena has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.1 inches, with 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Almena?
The job market in Almena is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $909. There are 196 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Almena?
The median home value in Almena is $60,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,492. For renters, the median monthly rent is $667. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,325.
How are the schools in Almena?
Schools in Almena score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Almena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Almena?
The obesity rate in Almena is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,336.
What is transportation like in Almena?
The average commute in Almena is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, 3.5% use public transit, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Almena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Almena is 90.6% White, 2% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 86.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.7% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.