Violent Crime
222/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.0%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Amherst Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population84
Median Age26.8 yrs
Density187/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 20%
Veterans84.0%
Economy
Per Capita$29,512
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$254M
Housing
Ownership43.6%
Zillow$259,272
Housing Units19
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent222/100K
Property889/100K
Health
Obesity30.0%
Smoking14.6%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain17.9 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation3,691 ft (1,125 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+30.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.69
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Broadband39.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Amherst a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Amherst receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Amherst faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Amherst is below the national average at 222 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 889 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Amherst experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.9 inches, including 30.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Amherst has a population of 84 with a density of 187 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 26.8 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (20.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 0% of residents, while 100% speak Spanish. 84.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.8yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
0.0%
100% below US avg
Spanish
100.0%
646% above US avg
Per capita income is $29,512 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 186 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $29,512 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,315 |
| Gini Index | 0.512 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 186 |
| County GDP | $254M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,272. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 19 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $1,800 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.4% |
| Housing Units | 19 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
In Amherst, 30.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,128. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Amherst vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,128 |
| Mental Health | 1:895 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Dental Visits | 55.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,191/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Amherst has a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 889 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Amherst receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Amherst vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 222.3/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 889.3/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Amherst experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 316 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 17.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 3,691 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,691 ft (1,125 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 187/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6832°N, 102.1726°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Phillips County County |
| Nearest Airport | Colorado Plains Regional (AKO)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.9"
53% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Apr 16, 2007.
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
570 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 53 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
27 km |
2 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2024 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2003 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
47 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
17,990 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
KEITH COUNTY COMPLEX |
13,526 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
DRYWELLS |
6,492 |
95 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,275 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,192 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD R |
2,080 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
34 km |
| 1994 |
STABLE |
1,706 |
82 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,544 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,318 |
79 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,262 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
I 76 |
1,033 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Amherst has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 27°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Amherst. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $549 |
| Preschool | $377 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $811 |
| Preschool | $811 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Amherst
What is the population of Amherst?
Amherst has a population of 84 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 187 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Amherst expensive to live in?
Amherst has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Amherst safe?
Amherst is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 889 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Amherst receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Amherst?
Amherst has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.9 inches, with 30.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Amherst?
The job market in Amherst is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 186 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Amherst?
Schools in Amherst score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Amherst hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Amherst?
The obesity rate in Amherst is 30.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,128.
What are the demographics of Amherst?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst is 20.2% White. 0% of residents speak only English at home, while 100% speak Spanish. 84.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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