Median Income
$71,667
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$176,700
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.6%
21% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,046
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How Imperial Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,182
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density720/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,667
Per Capita$36,899
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$434M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$176,700
Rent$1,046
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$217,766
Housing Units1,014
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property193/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured12.6%
Smoking14.4%
Depression17.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain19.8 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation3,278 ft (999 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.6%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute12 min
Broadband89.5%
Libraries2
Is Imperial a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Imperial receives an overall livability score of 3.7 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 a high uninsured rate. Imperial offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Imperial is $71,667, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Imperial is $176,700, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,046 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Imperial 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 193 per 100,000, 90% below the national average.
Education
26.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Imperial experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.8 inches, including 26.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Imperial has a population of 2,182 with a density of 720 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (84.2%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.4% of residents, while 19.6% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.4%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.6%
46% above US avg
The median household income in Imperial is $71,667, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,899. The average weekly wage is $993, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 224 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,667 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,899 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $993 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,464 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $434M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.2% |
The median home value in Imperial is $176,700, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,766, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,046 (10% 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. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,014 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $176,700 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $217,766 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,046 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,014 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.12% |
In Imperial, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 17.8% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,826. The dentist ratio is 1:3,772. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Imperial vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 17.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.7% |
| Uninsured | 12.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,826 |
| Dentists | 1:3,772 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Imperial has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 193 per 100,000, 90% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 193, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Imperial receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Imperial vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 192.9/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 192.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Imperial experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 316 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 19.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.0 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 3,278 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,278 ft (999 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 720/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5144°N, 101.6372°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chase County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.8"
48% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.0 / 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.0 on Apr 16, 2007.
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Sep 30, 1990 |
29 km SE of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
76 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
542 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 53 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
17,990 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
KEITH COUNTY COMPLEX |
13,526 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
65 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD R |
2,080 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
55 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
83 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,544 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
39 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,318 |
83 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
34 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,262 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Imperial has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.3") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Imperial. 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 Imperial
What is the population of Imperial?
Imperial has a population of 2,182 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 720 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Imperial expensive to live in?
Imperial 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 $71,667, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $176,700 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,046 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Imperial safe?
Imperial 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 193 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Imperial receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Imperial?
Imperial has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.8 inches, with 26.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Imperial?
The job market in Imperial is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $993. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 10.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Imperial?
The median home value in Imperial is $176,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,766. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,046. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Imperial?
Schools in Imperial score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.6% of adults in Imperial hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Imperial?
The obesity rate in Imperial is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 17.8% of residents report depression. 12.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,826.
What is transportation like in Imperial?
The average commute in Imperial is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Imperial?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Imperial is 84.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 80.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.6% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
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