Median Income
$53,333
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.7%
24% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$485
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ericson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population114
Median Age60.9 yrs
Density300/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans76.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,333
Per Capita$54,708
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$97M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$485
Ownership72.2%
Zillow$231,382
Housing Units74
Rent Burden12.5%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property352/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking13.0%
Depression18.7%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.6 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,028 ft (618 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.7%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+22.4%
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute22 min
Broadband54.0%
EV Stations2
Is Ericson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ericson receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ericson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ericson is $53,333, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ericson is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $485 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ericson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 352 per 100,000, 82% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Ericson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Ericson has a population of 114 with a density of 300 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 60.9 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 76.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 78.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.9yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Ericson is $53,333, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $54,708 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $802, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 40 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,333 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $54,708 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $802 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,389 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 40 |
| County GDP | $97M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Ericson is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,382, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $485 (58% 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. 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 74 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 12.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,382 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $485 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.8% |
| Housing Units | 74 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
In Ericson, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 18.7% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. 8.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ericson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 18.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 8.3% |
Ericson has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 352 per 100,000, 82% below the U.S. average. Overall, Ericson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ericson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 108.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 351.6/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ericson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°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 26.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,028 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,028 ft (618 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 300/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7804°N, 98.6786°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wheeler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI) 59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.6"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 14.1 / 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 Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
111 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
74 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
31 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
38 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
114 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
48 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
76 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
129 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
484 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
79 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
63 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1984 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1984 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1979 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1975 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
45 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,883 |
85 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
57 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
81 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
33 km |
| 2023 |
DEL PORTO |
2,856 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
19 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,130 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Ericson has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Ericson. 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 Ericson
What is the population of Ericson?
Ericson has a population of 114 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 300 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Ericson expensive to live in?
Ericson 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 $53,333, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $485 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ericson safe?
Ericson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 352 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ericson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ericson?
Ericson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Ericson?
The job market in Ericson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $802. There are 40 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ericson?
The median home value in Ericson is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,382. For renters, the median monthly rent is $485. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.2%.
How are the schools in Ericson?
Schools in Ericson score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.7% of adults in Ericson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 22.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ericson?
The obesity rate in Ericson is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 18.7% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 8.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ericson?
The average commute in Ericson is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ericson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ericson is 95.6% White. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 76.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability. 78.9% have health insurance coverage.