Median Income
$76,258
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$203,900
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
648/100K
71% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$846
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How Crete Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,521
Median Age33.2 yrs
Density1,876/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,258
Per Capita$28,750
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty9.6%
County GDP$28,815M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$203,900
Rent$846
Ownership65.6%
Zillow$244,264
Housing Units2,465
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent648/100K
Property1,790/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault423/100K
Burglary169/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured20.6%
Smoking14.5%
Depression16.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,373 ft (418 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+67.2%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.52
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 51%
Commute19 min
Broadband79.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Crete a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Crete receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Crete offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Crete is $76,258, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Crete is $203,900, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $846 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 648 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,790 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Crete experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 25.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Crete has a population of 7,521 with a density of 1,876 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 33.2 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (55.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 61.2% of residents, while 38.8% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 82.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.2yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
61.2%
22% below US avg
Spanish
38.8%
190% above US avg
The median household income in Crete is $76,258, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,750 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,141, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,853 business establishments, including 794 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,258 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,750 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,141 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,036 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,853 |
| County GDP | $28,815M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 794 |
| Healthcare | 1,148 |
| Retail | 989 |
| Manufacturing | 246 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,896 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Crete is $203,900, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,264, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $846 (27% 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. 65.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,465 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $6,896 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $203,900 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $244,264 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $846 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,465 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,896 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.38% |
In Crete, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 32.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.2% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 14.5% experience frequent mental distress. 20.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,442. The dentist ratio is 1:936. 95.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Crete vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 8.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.5% |
| Depression | 16.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.3% |
| Uninsured | 20.6% |
| 140% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,442 |
| Dentists | 1:936 |
| Mental Health | 1:223 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,252/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,148 |
Crete has a violent crime rate of 648 per 100,000 residents, 71% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 422.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 225.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,790 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,494, burglary at 169, vehicle theft at 127 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 26 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Crete receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Crete vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 648.4/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 225.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 422.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,790.3/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| Burglary | 169.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,494.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 126.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Crete experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°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 31.0 inches. The area receives 25.3 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 1,373 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,373 ft (418 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,876/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6248°N, 96.9537°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lancaster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0455 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
58 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 26, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
4 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.0 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
740 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 434 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK CREEK (1,433 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Crete has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Crete. 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 | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crete
What is the population of Crete?
Crete has a population of 7,521 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,876 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Crete expensive to live in?
Crete 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 $76,258, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $203,900 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $846 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Crete safe?
Public safety is a concern in Crete, with a violent crime rate of 648 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,790 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Crete receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Crete?
Crete has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.0 inches, with 25.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Crete?
The job market in Crete is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,141. There are 9,853 business establishments in the area, including 794 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Crete?
The median home value in Crete is $203,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,264. For renters, the median monthly rent is $846. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,896.
How are the schools in Crete?
Schools in Crete score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.6% of adults in Crete hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.2% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Crete?
The obesity rate in Crete is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 32.5% are physically inactive. 16.2% of residents report depression. 20.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 95.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,442.
What is transportation like in Crete?
The average commute in Crete is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Crete?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Crete is 55.9% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 61.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 38.8% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 82.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
