Median Income
$55,227
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.9%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$358
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.5%
90% higher than US avg
How Elk Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population129
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density992/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans100.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$55,227
Per Capita$22,521
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty23.5%
County GDP$253M
Commute42 min
Housing
A+
Rent$358
Ownership78.8%
Zillow$168,979
Housing Units63
Rent Burden45.0%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property3,811/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking17.3%
Depression16.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,101 ft (336 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+98.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute42 min
Broadband52.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Elk Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk Creek receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Elk Creek has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elk Creek is $55,227, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 23.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $358 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Elk Creek is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,811 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
8.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Elk Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Elk Creek has a population of 129 with a density of 992 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (89.9%), with 10.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 100.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elk Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Elk Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elk Creek is $55,227, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,521 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 131 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elk Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,227 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,521 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.5% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 131 |
| County GDP | $253M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,979. Monthly rent averages $358 (69% 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. 78.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 63 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $2,650 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $358 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.2% |
| Housing Units | 63 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg |
In Elk Creek, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 16.0% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 13.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,316. The dentist ratio is 1:5,287. 57.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elk Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 8.2% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 16.0% |
| Mental Distress | 13.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,316 |
| Dentists | 1:5,287 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,198 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.5% |
| Dental Visits | 48.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,995/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Elk Creek has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,811 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elk Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elk Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 69.0/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,810.6/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elk Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°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 34.1 inches. The area receives 21.4 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 1,101 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,101 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 992/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2883°N, 96.1269°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
26 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
62 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
40 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
41 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
613 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 300 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1965 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1964 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1963 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| May 16, 1960 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AXELTON-BURKLUND (8,831 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
94 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
BLUE RAPIDS |
1,744 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
SHANNON CREEK |
1,089 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Elk Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Elk Creek. 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 Elk Creek
What is the population of Elk Creek?
Elk Creek has a population of 129 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 992 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is Elk Creek expensive to live in?
Elk Creek 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 $55,227, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $358 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Elk Creek safe?
Elk Creek is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,811 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elk Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elk Creek?
Elk Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches, with 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Elk Creek?
The job market in Elk Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 131 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 42 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elk Creek?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $358. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,650.
How are the schools in Elk Creek?
Schools in Elk Creek score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.9% of adults in Elk Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk Creek?
The obesity rate in Elk Creek is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 16.0% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 57.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,316.
What is transportation like in Elk Creek?
The average commute in Elk Creek is 42 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elk Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Creek is 89.9% White, 10.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 100.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.0% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
