Median Income
$58,125
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,700
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% 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%
Veterans4.7%
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
Ownership67.1%
Zillow$185,794
Housing Units354
Rent Burden25.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property377/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity44.1%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking17.9%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain30.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,494 ft (455 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+86.0%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score4.80
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute23 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Emerson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Emerson receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, 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.
Safety & Crime
Emerson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 377 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
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 4.8/10.
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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (77.2%), with 10.2% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $24,642 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,144, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 504 business establishments, including 50 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). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Emerson is $100,700, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,794, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 83.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $691 (41% 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. 67.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 354 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $4,248 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 25.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.9% |
| Housing Units | 354 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.9% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080. The dentist ratio is 1:3,006. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.5% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,080 |
| Dentists | 1:3,006 |
| Mental Health | 1:394 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Emerson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 377 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 377, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Emerson receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Emerson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 376.9/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 376.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Emerson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. The area receives 35.5 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 1,494 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.7"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
72 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
66 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
598 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 231 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Emerson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$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 | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerson
What is the population of Emerson?
Emerson has a population of 912 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,940 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Emerson expensive to live in?
Emerson 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 $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,700 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $691 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Emerson safe?
Emerson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 377 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Emerson receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Emerson?
Emerson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.7 inches, with 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Emerson?
The job market in Emerson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,144. There are 504 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Emerson?
The median home value in Emerson is $100,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,794. For renters, the median monthly rent is $691. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,248.
How are the schools in Emerson?
Schools in Emerson have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.4% of adults in Emerson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Emerson?
The obesity rate in Emerson is 44.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080.
What is transportation like in Emerson?
The average commute in Emerson is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Emerson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Emerson is 77.2% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
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