Median Income
$70,139
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,700
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Cushing Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population213
Median Age31.1 yrs
Density666/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,139
Per Capita$26,231
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$746M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,700
Rent$725
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$168,608
Housing Units93
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property1,181/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking17.4%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,295 ft (395 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute31 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Cushing a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cushing 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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Cushing offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cushing is $70,139, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cushing is $57,700, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cushing is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Cushing experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.2 inches, including 35.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cushing has a population of 213 with a density of 666 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 31.1 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.1yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Cushing is $70,139, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,231 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,161, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 302 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,139 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,231 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,161 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 302 |
| County GDP | $746M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Cushing is $57,700, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,608, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 93 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,700 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,608 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 93 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.86% |
In Cushing, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,478. The dentist ratio is 1:2,296. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cushing vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,478 |
| Dentists | 1:2,296 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,456/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Cushing has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cushing receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cushing vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.5/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,181.5/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cushing experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.2 inches. The area receives 35.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,295 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,295 ft (395 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 666/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4651°N, 95.6757°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ida County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.2"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 174 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Cushing has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Cushing. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $668 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $439 |
| Toddler | $432 |
| Preschool | $432 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cushing
What is the population of Cushing?
Cushing has a population of 213 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 666 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Cushing expensive to live in?
Cushing is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,139, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,700 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cushing safe?
Cushing is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cushing receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cushing?
Cushing has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.2 inches, with 35.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cushing?
The job market in Cushing is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,161. There are 302 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cushing?
The median home value in Cushing is $57,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,608. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Cushing?
Schools in Cushing score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Cushing hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cushing?
The obesity rate in Cushing is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,478.
What is transportation like in Cushing?
The average commute in Cushing is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cushing?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cushing is 94.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
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