Median Income
$67,917
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$169,600
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
255/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.9%
7% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Amherst Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population273
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density1,241/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,917
Per Capita$26,437
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$4,461M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,600
Rent$683
Ownership80.2%
Zillow$396,288
Housing Units110
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent255/100K
Property2,073/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking12.0%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.6 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,234 ft (681 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.9%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+15.9%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute20 min
Broadband94.0%
EV Stations15
Libraries6
Is Amherst a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Amherst receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Amherst offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Amherst is $67,917, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Amherst is $169,600, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Amherst is below the national average at 255 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Amherst experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.6 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Amherst has a population of 273 with a density of 1,241 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Amherst is $67,917, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,437 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,879 business establishments, including 163 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,917 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,437 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,682 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,879 |
| County GDP | $4,461M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 163 |
| Healthcare | 217 |
| Retail | 246 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,774 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Amherst is $169,600, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $396,288, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $683 (41% 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. 80.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 110 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $5,774 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,600 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $396,288 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $81 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.8% |
| Housing Units | 110 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,774 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.40% |
In Amherst, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 20.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.9% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,144. The dentist ratio is 1:1,176. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Amherst vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.3% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,144 |
| Dentists | 1:1,176 |
| Mental Health | 1:213 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,530/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 217 |
Amherst has a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,073 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 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 | 255.3/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,073.0/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Amherst experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°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 25.6 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 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,234 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,234 ft (681 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,241/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8384°N, 99.2695°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buffalo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.6"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
53 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 22, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
91 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
73 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
93 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
47 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
79 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Jul 28, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M2.9 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
688 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 29 fatalities, 423 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
82 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
56 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 739 (32,997 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
88 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Amherst has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January 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) |
$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 Amherst
What is the population of Amherst?
Amherst has a population of 273 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,241 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Amherst expensive to live in?
Amherst 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 $67,917, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,600 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Amherst safe?
Amherst is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000 (above 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.6 inches, with 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Amherst?
The unemployment rate in Amherst is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,879 business establishments in the area, including 163 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Amherst?
The median home value in Amherst is $169,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $396,288. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,774.
How are the schools in Amherst?
Schools in Amherst score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.9% of adults in Amherst hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 15.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Amherst?
The obesity rate in Amherst is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 20.3% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,144.
What is transportation like in Amherst?
The average commute in Amherst is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Amherst?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst is 97.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
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