Median Income
$72,857
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,600
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.5%
4% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$655
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Atkinson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,433
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density874/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,857
Per Capita$33,513
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$913M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,600
Rent$655
Ownership78.0%
Zillow$165,305
Housing Units662
Rent Burden20.9%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property352/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking14.3%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.4 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,106 ft (642 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.5%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 13%
Commute13 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Atkinson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Atkinson receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Atkinson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Atkinson is $72,857, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Atkinson is $147,600, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $655 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Atkinson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 352 per 100,000, 82% below the national average.
Education
32.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Atkinson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.4 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Atkinson has a population of 1,433 with a density of 874 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Atkinson is $72,857, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,513 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 516 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 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 | $72,857 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,513 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,776 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 516 |
| County GDP | $913M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,682 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Atkinson is $147,600, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,305, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $655 (44% 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. 78.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 662 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,682. 20.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,600 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,305 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $655 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Housing Units | 662 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,682 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Atkinson, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,117. The dentist ratio is 1:1,004. 63.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Atkinson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,117 |
| Dentists | 1:1,004 |
| Mental Health | 1:439 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,598/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Atkinson has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 352 per 100,000, 82% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Atkinson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Atkinson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 108.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 351.6/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Atkinson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.1 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 2,106 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,106 ft (642 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 874/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5309°N, 98.9747°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Holt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.4"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
27 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
57 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
119 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
42 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
42 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
79 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
336 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 2 fatalities, 145 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1960 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2017 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REGION 24 COMPLEX (66,349 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
55 km |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,883 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
78 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
48 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
49 km |
| 2023 |
DEL PORTO |
2,856 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
73 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,130 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
48 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,804 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,477 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Atkinson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Atkinson. 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 Atkinson
What is the population of Atkinson?
Atkinson has a population of 1,433 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 874 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Atkinson expensive to live in?
Atkinson 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 $72,857, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,600 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $655 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Atkinson safe?
Atkinson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 352 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Atkinson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Atkinson?
Atkinson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.4 inches, with 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Atkinson?
Atkinson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 516 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Atkinson?
The median home value in Atkinson is $147,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,305. For renters, the median monthly rent is $655. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,682.
How are the schools in Atkinson?
Schools in Atkinson score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.5% of adults in Atkinson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Atkinson?
The obesity rate in Atkinson is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 63.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,117.
What is transportation like in Atkinson?
The average commute in Atkinson is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Atkinson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Atkinson is 94% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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