Median Income
$58,125
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,700
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$691
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.1%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Emerson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population912
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density1,940/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,125
Per Capita$24,642
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$2,419M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,700
Rent$691
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$185,794
Health
Obesity44.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
AQI32 (Good)
Rain30.7 in/yr
Elevation1,494 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+86.0%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute23 min
Libraries3
Is Emerson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Emerson receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Emerson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Emerson is $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Emerson is $100,700, 64% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $691 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Emerson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches, including 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Emerson has a population of 912 with a density of 1,940 people per square mile. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (77.2%), with 10.2% Hispanic, 1.3% Black.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.7% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.3% |
| 75% below US avg |
The median household income in Emerson is $58,125, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,125 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,642 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,144 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,044 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 504 |
| County GDP | $2,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Emerson is $100,700, 64% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $691 (41% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,794.
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,700 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,794 |
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $58 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 83.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $691 |
| 41% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.22% |
In Emerson, 44.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 18.9% report depression. 30.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Emerson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.1% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Crime Rates: Emerson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Emerson has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 30.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 30.7 inches |
| 19% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 35.5 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,494 ft (455 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,940/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2782°N, 96.7263°W |
| County FIPS | 31043 |