Home Value
$58,600
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.5%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Gem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population125
Median Age30.3 yrs
Density379/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans1.0%
Economy
Per Capita$51,522
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$224M
Commute15 min
Housing
Home Value$58,600
Ownership90.7%
Zillow$177,700
Housing Units47
Rent Burden23.3%
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured2.4%
Smoking12.7%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain21.4 in/yr
Elevation3,090 ft (942 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 90% / D 9%
Commute15 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Gem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gem receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Gem faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gem is $58,600, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Education
9.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Gem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.4 inches, including 17.4 inches of snow.
Gem has a population of 125 with a density of 379 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 30.3 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60% female and 40% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 1.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
125
Total Population
2023 Census
30.3yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Per capita income is $51,522 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $930, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above 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 122 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $51,522 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $930 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.494 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $224M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Gem is $58,600, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,700, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 47 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,025. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,600 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,700 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.3% |
| Housing Units | 47 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.87% |
In Gem, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 20.7% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 2.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239. The dentist ratio is 1:2,425. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 2.4% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,239 |
| Dentists | 1:2,425 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,932/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Gem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 3,090 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,090 ft (942 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 379/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4260°N, 100.8972°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.4"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.98"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.9 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
54 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
129 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Sep 8, 2019 |
2 km E of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Jun 29, 2021 |
Kansas |
M2.9 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 120 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
98 km |
5 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2017 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRY CREEK (4,273 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
ZWEYGARDT |
2,118 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
84 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
65 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
97 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
71 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Gem has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Gem. 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 | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gem
What is the population of Gem?
Gem has a population of 125 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 379 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60% female and 40% male.
Is Gem expensive to live in?
Gem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $58,600 (79% below the U.S. median).
What is the weather like in Gem?
Gem has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 21.4 inches, with 17.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Gem?
The unemployment rate in Gem is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $930. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gem?
The median home value in Gem is $58,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,700. The homeownership rate is 90.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,025.
How are the schools in Gem?
Schools in Gem score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.5% of adults in Gem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gem?
The obesity rate in Gem is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 2.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239.
What is transportation like in Gem?
The average commute in Gem is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 97.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gem is 98.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 1.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.