Median Income
$49,722
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Creston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population149
Median Age44.4 yrs
Density710/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$49,722
Per Capita$33,215
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,864M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Rent$825
Ownership76.5%
Zillow$382,103
Housing Units83
Rent Burden17.1%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,702/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking12.5%
Depression17.3%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.2 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,625 ft (495 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute20 min
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Creston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Creston receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Creston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Creston is $49,722, 34% below the national average of $75,149. 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%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Creston 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
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Creston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Creston has a population of 149 with a density of 710 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 44.4 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.4% female and 43.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.4yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
The median household income in Creston is $49,722, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,215 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,064, 26% 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 1,157 business establishments, including 79 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). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,722 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,215 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,064 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,046 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,157 |
| County GDP | $3,864M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 150 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,302 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $382,103. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% 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. 76.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 83 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,302 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $825 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.5% |
| Housing Units | 83 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,302 |
| 51% above US avg |
In Creston, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 17.3% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,317. The dentist ratio is 1:1,905. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Creston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 8.8% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 17.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,317 |
| Dentists | 1:1,905 |
| Mental Health | 1:427 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Creston 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 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Creston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Creston 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) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Creston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 28.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,625 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,625 ft (495 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 710/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7080°N, 97.3627°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Platte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.2"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 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 |
91 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
18 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
47 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
603 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 212 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
33 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
31 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1979 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Creston has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Creston. 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 Creston
What is the population of Creston?
Creston has a population of 149 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 710 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.4% female and 43.6% male.
Is Creston expensive to live in?
Creston 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 $49,722, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Creston safe?
Creston 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, Creston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Creston?
Creston 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 74°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Creston?
The job market in Creston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,064. There are 1,157 business establishments in the area, including 79 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Creston?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $825. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,302.
How are the schools in Creston?
Schools in Creston score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Creston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Creston?
The obesity rate in Creston is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 17.3% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,317.
What is transportation like in Creston?
The average commute in Creston is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Creston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Creston is 98.7% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
