Median Income
$79,118
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$87,300
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
52/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Carleton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population180
Median Age27.0 yrs
Density228/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$79,118
Per Capita$22,985
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$536M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$218,981
Housing Units63
Rent Burden16.7%
Crime
F
Violent52/100K
Property1,258/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking16.0%
Depression19.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain31.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,561 ft (476 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute21 min
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Carleton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carleton 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. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Carleton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carleton is $79,118, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carleton is $87,300, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Carleton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 52 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,258 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Carleton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches, including 23.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Carleton has a population of 180 with a density of 228 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 27.0 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 33.9% female and 66.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.0yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Carleton is $79,118, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,985 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 262 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,118 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,985 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,884 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 262 |
| County GDP | $536M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Carleton is $87,300, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,981, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 63 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 16.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,300 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,981 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 63 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Carleton, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.7% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,228. The dentist ratio is 1:4,885. 33.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carleton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 19.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 29.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,228 |
| Dentists | 1:4,885 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,610 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,893/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Carleton has a violent crime rate of 52 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,258 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Carleton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carleton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 52.4/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,257.9/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carleton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 275 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 31.1 inches. The area receives 23.2 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 1,561 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,561 ft (476 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 228/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3033°N, 97.6836°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Thayer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.1"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.7 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| 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
85 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
54 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
73 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
75 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
69 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
88 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
72 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
57 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
72 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
75 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
75 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
74 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km SSW of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.0 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
799 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 498 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
64 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
65 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Carleton has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Carleton. 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 Carleton
What is the population of Carleton?
Carleton has a population of 180 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 228 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 33.9% female and 66.1% male.
Is Carleton expensive to live in?
Carleton 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 $79,118, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,300 (69% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carleton safe?
Carleton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 52 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,258 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Carleton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carleton?
Carleton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.1 inches, with 23.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Carleton?
The job market in Carleton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 262 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carleton?
The median home value in Carleton is $87,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,981. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,850.
How are the schools in Carleton?
Schools in Carleton score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in Carleton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carleton?
The obesity rate in Carleton is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.7% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 33.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,228.
What is transportation like in Carleton?
The average commute in Carleton is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 64% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carleton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carleton is 96.7% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 4.5% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
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