Median Income
$75,625
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$197,100
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.9%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$767
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
68% lower than US avg
How Elm Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,146
Median Age29.4 yrs
Density1,637/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$75,625
Per Capita$29,310
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$1,031M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$197,100
Rent$767
Ownership67.5%
Zillow$270,773
Housing Units459
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property2,312/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking12.0%
Depression18.6%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.6 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,270 ft (692 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.9%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute23 min
Broadband91.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Elm Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elm Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Elm Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elm Creek is $75,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elm Creek is $197,100, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elm Creek is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,312 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Elm Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.6 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Elm Creek has a population of 1,146 with a density of 1,637 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 29.4 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.4yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elm Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.2%
54% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Elm Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elm Creek is $75,625, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,310 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,110, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 421 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elm Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,625 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,310 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,110 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,764 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 421 |
| County GDP | $1,031M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,685 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Elm Creek is $197,100, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,773, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 116.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $767 (34% 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. 67.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 459 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,685 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $197,100 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $270,773 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $110 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 116.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $767 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.5% |
| Housing Units | 459 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,685 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.38% |
In Elm Creek, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.6% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:993. The dentist ratio is 1:1,498. 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elm Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 18.6% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:993 |
| Dentists | 1:1,498 |
| Mental Health | 1:604 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Elm Creek has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,312 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. Overall, Elm Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elm Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.2/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,312.1/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elm Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°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 25.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.8 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 2,270 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,270 ft (692 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,637/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7201°N, 99.3756°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Phelps County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.6"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.0 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
65 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 22, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
94 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
85 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
96 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
4 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.0 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
656 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 408 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
87 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
4 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
71 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
81 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
35 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Elm Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Elm 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 Elm Creek
What is the population of Elm Creek?
Elm Creek has a population of 1,146 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,637 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Elm Creek expensive to live in?
Elm 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 $75,625, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $197,100 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elm Creek safe?
Elm Creek is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,312 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elm Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elm Creek?
Elm Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.6 inches, with 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Elm Creek?
The job market in Elm Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,110. There are 421 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elm Creek?
The median home value in Elm Creek is $197,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,773. For renters, the median monthly rent is $767. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,685.
How are the schools in Elm Creek?
Schools in Elm Creek score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.9% of adults in Elm Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elm Creek?
The obesity rate in Elm Creek is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 18.6% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:993.
What is transportation like in Elm Creek?
The average commute in Elm Creek is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elm Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elm Creek is 94.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
