Median Income
$42,500
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,000
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
382/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Elsie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population133
Median Age44.8 yrs
Density782/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$42,500
Per Capita$32,389
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$407M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,000
Rent$625
Ownership82.1%
Zillow$223,633
Housing Units74
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent382/100K
Property382/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking14.6%
Depression18.7%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain21.4 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation3,386 ft (1,032 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute16 min
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Elsie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elsie receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Elsie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elsie is $42,500, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elsie is $70,000, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 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
The violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 382 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Elsie experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°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 21.4 inches, including 22.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Elsie has a population of 133 with a density of 782 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 44.8 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.6% female and 44.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.8yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Elsie is $42,500, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,389 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 152 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,500 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,389 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,374 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 152 |
| County GDP | $407M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Elsie is $70,000, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,633, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% 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. 82.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 74 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% 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 | $70,000 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $223,633 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.9% |
| Housing Units | 74 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.07% |
In Elsie, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 23.5% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 18.7% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:944. The dentist ratio is 1:2,829. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elsie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 18.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:944 |
| Dentists | 1:2,829 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,524/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Elsie has a violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 382 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. Overall, Elsie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elsie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 381.5/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 381.5/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elsie experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 26°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 21.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 22.0 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 3,386 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,386 ft (1,032 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 782/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8472°N, 101.3892°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Perkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | North Platte Regional/Lee Bird Field (LBF)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.4"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.3 on Apr 19, 2018.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
61 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
21 km WNW of Mullen, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
138 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
4 km NW of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
472 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 40 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1989 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2024 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BETTY'S WAY (68,425 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BETTY'S WAY |
68,425 |
89 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
27,237 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
17,990 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
KEITH COUNTY COMPLEX |
13,526 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
43 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,793 |
74 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,681 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
HARVEST CA |
6,526 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
DRYWELLS |
6,492 |
99 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
35 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,439 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,192 |
80 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,149 |
85 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,706 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
90 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,544 |
49 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
56 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,397 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Elsie has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Elsie. 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 Elsie
What is the population of Elsie?
Elsie has a population of 133 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 782 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.6% female and 44.4% male.
Is Elsie expensive to live in?
Elsie 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 $42,500, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,000 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 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 Elsie safe?
The violent crime rate in Elsie is 382 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 382 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elsie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elsie?
Elsie has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 21.4 inches, with 22.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Elsie?
The job market in Elsie is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 152 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elsie?
The median home value in Elsie is $70,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,633. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,850.
How are the schools in Elsie?
Schools in Elsie score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Elsie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elsie?
The obesity rate in Elsie is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 18.7% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:944.
What is transportation like in Elsie?
The average commute in Elsie is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elsie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elsie is 97% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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