Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Foster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population32
Median Age50.0 yrs
Density145/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans22.0%
Economy
Per Capita$14,297
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$738M
Commute28 min
Housing
Ownership87.5%
Zillow$152,296
Housing Units17
Rent Burden23.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property248/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Smoking15.9%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,638 ft (499 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+8.7%
School Score6.55
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute28 min
Broadband16.0%
EV Stations9
Libraries3
Is Foster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Foster receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Foster has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Foster 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 248 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Foster experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Foster has a population of 32 with a density of 145 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 50.0 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 22.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.0yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $14,297 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% 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 244 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 22.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $14,297 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,902 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 244 |
| County GDP | $738M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 44.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.2% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $152,296. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 17 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $4,155 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.5% |
| Housing Units | 17 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
In Foster, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438. The dentist ratio is 1:2,444. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Foster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,438 |
| Dentists | 1:2,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,299 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,469/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Foster has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 248 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Foster receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Foster vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 247.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Foster experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.5 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 1,638 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,638 ft (499 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 145/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2747°N, 97.6651°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pierce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 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 |
115 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
28 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
67 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
35 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
537 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 234 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
61 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Foster has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Foster. 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 Foster
What is the population of Foster?
Foster has a population of 32 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 145 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Foster expensive to live in?
Foster is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Foster safe?
Foster 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 248 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Foster receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Foster?
Foster has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Foster?
The job market in Foster is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 244 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 22.2% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Foster?
Schools in Foster score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Foster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Foster?
The obesity rate in Foster is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438.
What is transportation like in Foster?
The average commute in Foster is 28 minutes. 44.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Foster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Foster is 90.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 22.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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