Median Income
$88,125
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$140,300
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
156/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.0%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Homer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population392
Median Age49.5 yrs
Density1,059/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,125
Per Capita$40,033
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,419M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,300
Rent$683
Ownership77.0%
Zillow$195,161
Housing Units184
Rent Burden15.8%
Crime
F
Violent156/100K
Property3,662/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking17.8%
Depression20.3%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,109 ft (338 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.0%
High School+89.0%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score4.80
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute20 min
Broadband83.6%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Homer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Homer receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Homer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Homer is $88,125, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Homer is $140,300, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Homer is below the national average at 156 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the national average.
Education
10.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Homer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 36.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Homer has a population of 392 with a density of 1,059 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 49.5 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.5yrs
Median Age
27% 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 Homer is $88,125, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,033. The average weekly wage is $1,144, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (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 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,125 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,033 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,144 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,044 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Homer is $140,300, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,161, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $683 (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. 77.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 184 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,248 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,300 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,161 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $101 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.0% |
| Housing Units | 184 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Homer, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 20.3% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Homer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 20.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,080 |
| Dentists | 1:3,006 |
| Mental Health | 1:394 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Homer has a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Homer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Homer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 156.3/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,661.8/100K |
| 87% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Homer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.0 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 1,109 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,109 ft (338 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,059/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3225°N, 96.4912°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.90"
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 |
89 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
82 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 244 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Homer has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Homer. 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 Homer
What is the population of Homer?
Homer has a population of 392 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,059 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Homer expensive to live in?
Homer 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 $88,125, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,300 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Homer safe?
Homer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Homer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Homer?
Homer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 36.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Homer?
The job market in Homer is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / 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 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Homer?
The median home value in Homer is $140,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,161. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,248.
How are the schools in Homer?
Schools in Homer have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.0% of adults in Homer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Homer?
The obesity rate in Homer is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 20.3% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080.
What is transportation like in Homer?
The average commute in Homer is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Homer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Homer is 94.9% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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