Home Value
$157,400
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
44/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$860
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ithaca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population145
Median Age55.5 yrs
Density630/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans13.6%
Economy
Per Capita$47,370
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,090M
Commute33 min
Housing
Home Value$157,400
Rent$860
Ownership84.0%
Zillow$346,884
Housing Units78
Rent Burden44.0%
Crime
F
Violent44/100K
Property1,907/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking13.5%
Depression17.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,135 ft (346 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+78.7%
Graduate+11.0%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute33 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Ithaca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ithaca receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ithaca faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ithaca is $157,400, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $860 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Ithaca is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,907 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ithaca experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Ithaca has a population of 145 with a density of 630 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 55.5 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.8% female and 57.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 13.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.5yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Per capita income is $47,370 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (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 656 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $47,370 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $960 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,730 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 656 |
| County GDP | $1,090M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,137 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Ithaca is $157,400, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $346,884, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $860 (26% 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. 84.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 78 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $6,137 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 44.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,400 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $346,884 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $860 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 44.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.0% |
| Housing Units | 78 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,137 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.90% |
In Ithaca, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 17.3% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,279. The dentist ratio is 1:3,303. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ithaca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 17.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,279 |
| Dentists | 1:3,303 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,346 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,667/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Ithaca has a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,907 per 100,000, 3% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ithaca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ithaca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 44.4/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,907.3/100K |
| 3% below 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 |
Ithaca experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,135 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,135 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 630/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1593°N, 96.5395°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Saunders County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very 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.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
102 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
89 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
657 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 494 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
39 km |
3 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (629 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Ithaca has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Ithaca. 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 Ithaca
What is the population of Ithaca?
Ithaca has a population of 145 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 630 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.8% female and 57.2% male.
Is Ithaca expensive to live in?
Ithaca 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 $157,400 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $860 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Ithaca safe?
Ithaca is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,907 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ithaca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ithaca?
Ithaca has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Ithaca?
The job market in Ithaca is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 656 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ithaca?
The median home value in Ithaca is $157,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $346,884. For renters, the median monthly rent is $860. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,137.
How are the schools in Ithaca?
Schools in Ithaca score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.9% of adults in Ithaca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.7% have completed high school. 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ithaca?
The obesity rate in Ithaca is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 17.3% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,279.
What is transportation like in Ithaca?
The average commute in Ithaca is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ithaca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ithaca is 96.6% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 13.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.