Median Income
$115,833
54% higher than US avg
Home Value
$138,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
25/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.4%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$847
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
68% lower than US avg
How McCool Junction Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population740
Median Age25.9 yrs
Density1,451/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$115,833
Per Capita$42,081
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$1,248M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$138,500
Rent$847
Ownership85.5%
Zillow$248,050
Housing Units276
Rent Burden15.0%
Crime
F
Violent25/100K
Property2,733/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking12.8%
Depression18.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,577 ft (481 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.4%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score6.31
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute18 min
Broadband97.9%
EV Stations7
Libraries1
Is McCool Junction a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McCool Junction receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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. McCool Junction offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McCool Junction is $115,833, which is significantly higher than the national average / 54% above $75,149. This places McCool Junction among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McCool Junction is $138,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
McCool Junction is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,733 per 100,000, 39% above the national average.
Education
19.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
McCool Junction experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.3 inches, including 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
McCool Junction has a population of 740 with a density of 1,451 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 25.9 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.9% female and 59.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.9yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
McCool Junction vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
McCool Junction vs U.S. Average
The median household income in McCool Junction is $115,833, which is 54% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,081. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 646 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: McCool Junction vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $115,833 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,081 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,151 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 646 |
| County GDP | $1,248M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,856 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in McCool Junction is $138,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,050, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $847 (27% 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. 85.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 276 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,856 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $138,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,050 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $847 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.5% |
| Housing Units | 276 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,856 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.51% |
In McCool Junction, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 18.4% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,295. The dentist ratio is 1:1,595. 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McCool Junction vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 18.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,295 |
| Dentists | 1:1,595 |
| Mental Health | 1:552 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
McCool Junction has a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,733 per 100,000, 39% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, McCool Junction receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McCool Junction vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 25.0/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,733.4/100K |
| 39% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McCool Junction experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°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 27.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.7 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 1,577 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,577 ft (481 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,451/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7439°N, 97.6008°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | York County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.3"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
79 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
97 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
806 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 580 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
68 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
62 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
18 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK CREEK (1,433 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
McCool Junction has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in McCool Junction. 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 McCool Junction
What is the population of McCool Junction?
McCool Junction has a population of 740 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,451 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.9% female and 59.1% male.
Is McCool Junction expensive to live in?
McCool Junction 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 $115,833, 54% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $138,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is McCool Junction safe?
McCool Junction is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,733 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, McCool Junction receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McCool Junction?
McCool Junction has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.3 inches, with 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in McCool Junction?
The job market in McCool Junction is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 646 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in McCool Junction?
The median home value in McCool Junction is $138,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,050. For renters, the median monthly rent is $847. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,856.
How are the schools in McCool Junction?
Schools in McCool Junction score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.4% of adults in McCool Junction hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McCool Junction?
The obesity rate in McCool Junction is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 18.4% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,295.
What is transportation like in McCool Junction?
The average commute in McCool Junction is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of McCool Junction?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McCool Junction is 94.5% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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