Median Income
$64,219
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,200
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$514
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.3%
56% higher than US avg
How Clarkson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population609
Median Age44.9 yrs
Density771/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,219
Per Capita$40,031
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty19.3%
County GDP$1,023M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,200
Rent$514
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$254,760
Housing Units329
Rent Burden22.2%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,702/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking13.8%
Depression17.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,526 ft (465 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband81.4%
EV Stations8
Libraries4
Is Clarkson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clarkson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 an elevated poverty rate. Clarkson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clarkson is $64,219, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 19.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clarkson is $74,200, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $514 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clarkson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,702 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Clarkson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Clarkson has a population of 609 with a density of 771 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 44.9 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44% female and 56% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 18.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.9yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Clarkson is $64,219, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,031. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 312 business establishments, including 19 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,219 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,031 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,571 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.3% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 312 |
| County GDP | $1,023M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,514 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Clarkson is $74,200, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,760, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $514 (56% 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. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 329 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $3,514. 22.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,200 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $254,760 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $514 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 329 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,514 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.74% |
In Clarkson, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 17.5% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:5,222. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clarkson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 17.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,222 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,283 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,195/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Clarkson has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,702 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clarkson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clarkson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 84.0/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,702.5/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clarkson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,526 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,526 ft (465 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 771/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7234°N, 97.1215°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Colfax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.5 / 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 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
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
10 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
63 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
590 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 283 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
51 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
4 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Clarkson has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Clarkson. 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 Clarkson
What is the population of Clarkson?
Clarkson has a population of 609 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 771 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44% female and 56% male.
Is Clarkson expensive to live in?
Clarkson 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 $64,219, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,200 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $514 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clarkson safe?
Clarkson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,702 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clarkson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clarkson?
Clarkson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Clarkson?
The job market in Clarkson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 312 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clarkson?
The median home value in Clarkson is $74,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,760. For renters, the median monthly rent is $514. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,514.
How are the schools in Clarkson?
Schools in Clarkson score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Clarkson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clarkson?
The obesity rate in Clarkson is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 17.5% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Clarkson?
The average commute in Clarkson is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clarkson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clarkson is 97.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.9% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
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