Median Income
$65,000
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,500
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
350/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.8%
30% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$870
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Dalton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population470
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density1,382/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans15.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,000
Per Capita$31,423
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$473M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,500
Rent$870
Ownership92.4%
Zillow$177,958
Housing Units185
Rent Burden13.4%
Crime
F
Violent350/100K
Property2,670/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking14.2%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain20.5 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation4,257 ft (1,298 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+43.8%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+22.9%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute38 min
Broadband93.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Dalton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dalton receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Dalton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dalton is $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dalton is $89,500, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dalton is below the national average at 350 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,670 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dalton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 30°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 20.5 inches, including 48.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Dalton has a population of 470 with a density of 1,382 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 15.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Dalton is $65,000, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,423 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $929, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 184 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 16.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,423 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $929 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,010 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 184 |
| County GDP | $473M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,200 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |
The median home value in Dalton is $89,500, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,958, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $870 (25% 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. 92.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 185 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,200 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,500 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,958 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $870 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.6% |
| Housing Units | 185 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,200 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.69% |
In Dalton, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 19.1% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,287. The dentist ratio is 1:2,263. 73.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dalton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,287 |
| Dentists | 1:2,263 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,504 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,072/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Dalton has a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,670 per 100,000, 36% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Dalton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dalton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 350.2/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,670.4/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dalton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 30°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 20.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 4,257 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,257 ft (1,298 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,382/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4082°N, 102.9708°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morrill County County |
| Nearest Airport | Western Nebraska Regional/William B Heilig Field (BFF)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.5"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Oct 18, 2012.
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
123 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
23 km WSW of Hay Springs, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
518 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1955 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1991 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1985 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2003 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1994 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1993 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1988 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1983 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
CARTER CANYON |
15,828 |
79 km |
| 2012 |
TURNER TATANKA |
15,749 |
73 km |
| 1989 |
MORRILL CO |
14,497 |
45 km |
| 2012 |
KEITH COUNTY COMPLEX |
13,526 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
JEFFRIES |
8,853 |
48 km |
| 2024 |
SCHIFF |
6,714 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
DRYWELLS |
6,492 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY CA |
6,367 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,239 |
64 km |
| 2019 |
RED KATE |
6,115 |
69 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,792 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
SUGARLOAF |
4,075 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,047 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKEY |
3,961 |
53 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,586 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
HUBBARDS GAP |
3,435 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,192 |
95 km |
| 1986 |
W BLUE CREEK |
3,167 |
50 km |
| 2021 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
2,716 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Dalton has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 28°F in December to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Dalton. 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 Dalton
What is the population of Dalton?
Dalton has a population of 470 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,382 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Dalton expensive to live in?
Dalton 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 $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,500 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dalton safe?
Dalton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,670 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dalton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dalton?
Dalton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 30°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 20.5 inches, with 48.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Dalton?
The job market in Dalton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $929. There are 184 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dalton?
The median home value in Dalton is $89,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,958. For renters, the median monthly rent is $870. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,200.
How are the schools in Dalton?
Schools in Dalton score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.8% of adults in Dalton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 22.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dalton?
The obesity rate in Dalton is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 73.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,287.
What is transportation like in Dalton?
The average commute in Dalton is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dalton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dalton is 98.1% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 15.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability. 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
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