Median Income
$39,063
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$909
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.7%
114% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Elba Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population181
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density489/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,063
Per Capita$31,821
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$288M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,000
Rent$909
Ownership61.4%
Zillow$299,695
Housing Units150
Rent Burden42.6%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property4,359/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.1%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.0 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,863 ft (568 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score5.91
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute27 min
Broadband68.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Elba a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elba receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Elba has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elba is $39,063, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elba is $96,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $909 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elba is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Elba experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.0 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Elba has a population of 181 with a density of 489 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%), with 6.6% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 11.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.1%
47% below US avg
The median household income in Elba is $39,063, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,821 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $832, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above 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 214 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 27 minutes. 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,063 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,821 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $832 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,708 |
| Gini Index | 0.398 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.7% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 214 |
| County GDP | $288M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,950 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Elba is $96,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $299,695, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $909 (22% 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. 61.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 150 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,950. 42.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $299,695 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $909 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.6% |
| Housing Units | 150 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,950 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.11% |
In Elba, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,306. The dentist ratio is 1:3,257. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elba vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,306 |
| Dentists | 1:3,257 |
| Mental Health | 1:932 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,022/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Elba has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Elba receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elba vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,358.9/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elba experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°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 26.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.9 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 1,863 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,863 ft (568 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 489/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2853°N, 98.5693°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Howard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.0"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
78 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
25 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
41 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
690 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 32 fatalities, 443 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
84 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
86 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
47 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
93 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Elba has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Elba. 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 Elba
What is the population of Elba?
Elba has a population of 181 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 489 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Elba expensive to live in?
Elba 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 $39,063, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $909 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elba safe?
Elba is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elba receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elba?
Elba has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.0 inches, with 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Elba?
The unemployment rate in Elba is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $832. There are 214 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elba?
The median home value in Elba is $96,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $299,695. For renters, the median monthly rent is $909. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,950.
How are the schools in Elba?
Schools in Elba score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% of adults in Elba hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elba?
The obesity rate in Elba is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,306.
What is transportation like in Elba?
The average commute in Elba is 27 minutes. 80.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elba?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elba is 92.3% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 11.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
