Median Income
$47,426
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$113,600
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
325/100K
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.5%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
2% lower than US avg
How Emerson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population547
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density2,104/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans12.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,426
Per Capita$30,238
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty12.1%
County GDP$645M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$113,600
Rent$913
Ownership80.3%
Zillow$188,018
Housing Units253
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent325/100K
Property2,820/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.9%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,067 ft (325 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.5%
High School+84.1%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute27 min
Broadband83.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Emerson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Emerson receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Emerson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Emerson is $47,426, 37% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Emerson is $113,600, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Emerson is below the national average at 325 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,820 per 100,000, 44% above the national average.
Education
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Emerson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 27.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Emerson has a population of 547 with a density of 2,104 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 6.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Emerson is $47,426, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,238 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,059, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 458 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,426 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,238 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,059 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,250 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 458 |
| County GDP | $645M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,433 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Emerson is $113,600, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,018, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 253 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,433 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $113,600 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,018 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.7% |
| Housing Units | 253 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,433 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.78% |
In Emerson, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,808. The dentist ratio is 1:2,911. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Emerson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,808 |
| Dentists | 1:2,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,126 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Emerson has a violent crime rate of 325 per 100,000 residents, 14% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,820 per 100,000, 44% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Emerson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Emerson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 325.4/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,820.5/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Emerson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°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 37.2 inches. The area receives 27.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,067 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,067 ft (325 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,104/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0180°N, 95.4027°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mills County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively 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
5 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 |
78 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
45 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
80 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
647 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 482 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
42 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
58 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
30 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Emerson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Emerson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $704 |
| Toddler | $607 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $475 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $468 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerson
What is the population of Emerson?
Emerson has a population of 547 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 2,104 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Emerson expensive to live in?
Emerson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,426, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $113,600 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Emerson safe?
Emerson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 325 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,820 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Emerson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Emerson?
Emerson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 27.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Emerson?
Emerson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,059. There are 458 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Emerson?
The median home value in Emerson is $113,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,018. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,433.
How are the schools in Emerson?
Schools in Emerson score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.5% of adults in Emerson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Emerson?
The obesity rate in Emerson is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,808.
What is transportation like in Emerson?
The average commute in Emerson is 27 minutes. 88.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Emerson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Emerson is 92.1% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 12.6% of the population are military veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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