Median Income
$73,750
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,300
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
25/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Grafton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population146
Median Age48.1 yrs
Density417/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,750
Per Capita$36,460
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$560M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$175,493
Housing Units86
Rent Burden23.5%
Crime
F
Violent25/100K
Property2,733/100K
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking13.7%
Depression17.5%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,681 ft (512 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute15 min
Broadband70.0%
EV Stations7
Libraries5
Is Grafton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grafton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 high obesity rates. Grafton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grafton is $73,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Grafton is $108,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Grafton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,733 per 100,000, 39% above the national average.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Grafton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.3 inches, including 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Grafton has a population of 146 with a density of 417 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 48.1 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.1yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Grafton is $73,750, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,460. The average weekly wage is $1,022, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 280 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). 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,750 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,460 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,022 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,693 |
| Gini Index | 0.476 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 280 |
| County GDP | $560M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,867 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Grafton is $108,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,493, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 86 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,867 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,493 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 86 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,867 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.65% |
In Grafton, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 17.5% report depression. 14.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,773. The dentist ratio is 1:1,851. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grafton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 17.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,773 |
| Dentists | 1:1,851 |
| Mental Health | 1:347 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,978/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Grafton has a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,733 per 100,000, 39% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Grafton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grafton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 25.0/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,733.4/100K |
| 39% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grafton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°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 27.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.7 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 1,681 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,681 ft (512 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 417/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6298°N, 97.7146°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fillmore County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.3"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
85 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
81 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
105 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
103 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
81 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
72 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km SSW of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.0 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
815 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 553 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
56 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
13 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Grafton has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Grafton. 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 Grafton
What is the population of Grafton?
Grafton has a population of 146 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 417 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is Grafton expensive to live in?
Grafton 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 $73,750, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,300 (62% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grafton safe?
Grafton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,733 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Grafton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grafton?
Grafton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.3 inches, with 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Grafton?
The job market in Grafton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,022. There are 280 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grafton?
The median home value in Grafton is $108,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,493. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,867.
How are the schools in Grafton?
Schools in Grafton score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in Grafton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grafton?
The obesity rate in Grafton is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 17.5% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,773.
What is transportation like in Grafton?
The average commute in Grafton is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grafton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grafton is 94.5% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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