Median Income
$49,028
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,800
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
150/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$433
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.0%
122% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Decatur Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population552
Median Age50.5 yrs
Density541/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$49,028
Per Capita$32,078
Unemployment8.0%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$605M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,800
Rent$433
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$141,101
Housing Units325
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent150/100K
Property1,327/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking19.0%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain29.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,062 ft (324 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score2.47
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 46%
Commute26 min
Broadband69.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Decatur a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Decatur receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Decatur has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Decatur is $49,028, 35% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.0%, unemployment is notably high. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Decatur is $78,800, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Decatur is below the national average at 150 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,327 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Decatur experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.9 inches, including 31.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Decatur has a population of 552 with a density of 541 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 50.5 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 8.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 79.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.5yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Decatur is $49,028, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,078 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 164 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,028 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,078 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,733 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.0% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 164 |
| County GDP | $605M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,840 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Decatur is $78,800, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,101, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $433 (63% 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. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 325 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,840. 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,800 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,101 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $433 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 325 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,840 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.87% |
In Decatur, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.1% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,103. The dentist ratio is 1:1,085. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Decatur vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,103 |
| Dentists | 1:1,085 |
| Mental Health | 1:205 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 27,026/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,327 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Decatur receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Decatur vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 150.3/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,327.3/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Decatur experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.0 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 1,062 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,062 ft (324 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 541/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0059°N, 96.2483°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Thurston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.9"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
81 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 520 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
25 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (629 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Decatur has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Decatur. 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 Decatur
What is the population of Decatur?
Decatur has a population of 552 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 541 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Decatur expensive to live in?
Decatur 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 $49,028, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,800 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Decatur safe?
Decatur is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,327 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Decatur receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Decatur?
Decatur has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.9 inches, with 31.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Decatur?
The job market in Decatur faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 164 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Decatur?
The median home value in Decatur is $78,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,101. For renters, the median monthly rent is $433. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,840.
How are the schools in Decatur?
Schools in Decatur have an average test score of 2.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.3% of adults in Decatur hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Decatur?
The obesity rate in Decatur is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,103.
What is transportation like in Decatur?
The average commute in Decatur is 26 minutes. 72.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Decatur?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Decatur is 91.1% White, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 79.6% have health insurance coverage.
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