Violent Crime
366/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.0%
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Mahaska Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population40
Median Age55.3 yrs
Density182/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans40.0%
Economy
Per Capita$41,880
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$396M
Commute33 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$92,432
Housing Units44
Rent Burden20.7%
Crime
F
Violent366/100K
Property3,194/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Smoking18.8%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,600 ft (488 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.0%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute33 min
Broadband22.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Mahaska a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mahaska receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Mahaska has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mahaska is below the national average at 366 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,194 per 100,000, 63% above the national average.
Education
25.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Mahaska experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches, including 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Mahaska has a population of 40 with a density of 182 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 55.3 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 40.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.3yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $41,880. The average weekly wage is $780, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 220 business establishments, including 10 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). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $41,880 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $780 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 220 |
| County GDP | $396M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,100 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,432. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 44 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,100 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 44 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,100 |
| 17% above US avg |
In Mahaska, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,165. The dentist ratio is 1:4,642. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mahaska vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,165 |
| Dentists | 1:4,642 |
| Mental Health | 1:925 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,565/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Mahaska has a violent crime rate of 366 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,194 per 100,000, 63% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mahaska receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mahaska vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 366.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,193.7/100K |
| 63% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mahaska experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 32.4 inches. The area receives 14.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,600 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,600 ft (488 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 182/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9873°N, 97.3536°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Republic County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.2 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
134 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
69 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
71 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
75 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
72 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
71 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
58 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
656 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 224 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
37 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1986 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
7,758 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,159 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
CALFEX COMPLEX |
5,122 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
83 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,595 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
KILO |
3,242 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON HILL ROAD |
2,850 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,544 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,492 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,083 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,985 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
74 km |
| 2016 |
BLUE RAPIDS |
1,744 |
73 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
28 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,405 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,394 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Mahaska has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 26°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Mahaska. 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 Mahaska
What is the population of Mahaska?
Mahaska has a population of 40 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 182 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Mahaska expensive to live in?
Mahaska is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Mahaska safe?
Mahaska is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 366 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,194 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mahaska receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mahaska?
Mahaska has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches, with 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Mahaska?
The job market in Mahaska is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $780. There are 220 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Mahaska?
Schools in Mahaska score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.0% of adults in Mahaska hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mahaska?
The obesity rate in Mahaska is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,165.
What is transportation like in Mahaska?
The average commute in Mahaska is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 65% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mahaska?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mahaska is 92.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 40.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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