Median Income
$51,815
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,400
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.8%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$783
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How McCook Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,360
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density1,348/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,815
Per Capita$36,008
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$737M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,400
Rent$783
Ownership67.1%
Zillow$173,645
Housing Units3,872
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property2,230/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault80/100K
Burglary544/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking15.2%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain20.1 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,581 ft (787 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.8%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score6.34
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute10 min
Broadband84.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is McCook a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McCook receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. McCook offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McCook is $51,815, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McCook is $137,400, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
McCook is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,230 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
McCook experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
McCook has a population of 7,360 with a density of 1,348 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in McCook is $51,815, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,008. The average weekly wage is $914, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 445 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,815 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,008 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $914 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,366 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 445 |
| County GDP | $737M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,723 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in McCook is $137,400, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,645, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $783 (33% 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. 67.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,872 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,723 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,400 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $173,645 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $783 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,872 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,723 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.44% |
In McCook, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,328. The dentist ratio is 1:1,057. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McCook vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,328 |
| Dentists | 1:1,057 |
| Mental Health | 1:402 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
McCook has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 79.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 66.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,230 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,447, burglary at 544, vehicle theft at 239 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, McCook receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McCook vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.0/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 66.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 79.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,230.2/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| Burglary | 544.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,447.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 239.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McCook experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°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 20.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,581 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,581 ft (787 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,348/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2045°N, 100.6216°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Red Willow County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.1"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.6 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
46 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
123 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
42 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
46 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
51 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Sep 8, 2019 |
2 km E of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Apr 1, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
39 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
498 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 44 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1954 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
37 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
62 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
73 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
33 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
54 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,397 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
70 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
McCook has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in McCook. 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 McCook
What is the population of McCook?
McCook has a population of 7,360 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,348 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is McCook expensive to live in?
McCook 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 $51,815, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,400 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is McCook safe?
McCook is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,230 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, McCook receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McCook?
McCook has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in McCook?
The job market in McCook is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $914. There are 445 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in McCook?
The median home value in McCook is $137,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,645. For renters, the median monthly rent is $783. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,723.
How are the schools in McCook?
Schools in McCook score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.8% of adults in McCook hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McCook?
The obesity rate in McCook is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,328.
What is transportation like in McCook?
The average commute in McCook is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of McCook?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McCook is 89.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
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