Median Income
$117,500
56% higher than US avg
Home Value
$74,800
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
220/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.4%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$960
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.3%
9% lower than US avg
How Nickerson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population572
Median Age30.2 yrs
Density1,505/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$117,500
Per Capita$33,245
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty11.3%
County GDP$3,064M
Commute40 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,800
Rent$960
Ownership85.7%
Zillow$353,575
Housing Units200
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent220/100K
Property2,382/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking15.4%
Depression17.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,206 ft (368 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.4%
High School+41.6%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute40 min
Broadband94.9%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Nickerson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nickerson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 a high uninsured rate, long commute times, high obesity rates. Nickerson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nickerson is $117,500, which is significantly higher than the national average / 56% above $75,149. This places Nickerson among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 11.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nickerson is $74,800, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Nickerson is below the national average at 220 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,382 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
Education
3.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 41.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Nickerson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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.
Nickerson has a population of 572 with a density of 1,505 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 30.2 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.4% female and 65.6% male. The city is predominantly White (43.4%), with 4.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 44.5% of residents, while 55.5% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.2yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Nickerson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
44.5%
43% below US avg
Spanish
55.5%
314% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Nickerson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Nickerson is $117,500, which is 56% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,245 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,044, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,109 business establishments, including 95 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Nickerson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $117,500 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,245 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,044 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,210 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.3% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,109 |
| County GDP | $3,064M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Healthcare | 120 |
| Retail | 142 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,834 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 39.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Nickerson is $74,800, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,575, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $960 (17% 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. 85.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 200 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $5,834 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,800 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $353,575 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $960 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.3% |
| Housing Units | 200 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,834 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.80% |
In Nickerson, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 17.1% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,061. The dentist ratio is 1:1,156. 88.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nickerson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 17.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.6% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,061 |
| Dentists | 1:1,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:437 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,617/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 120 |
Nickerson has a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,382 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nickerson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nickerson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 220.4/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,382.0/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nickerson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 1,206 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,206 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,505/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5347°N, 96.4709°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dodge County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
66 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
637 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 530 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
53 km |
3 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
42 km |
4 |
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 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Nickerson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Nickerson. 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 Nickerson
What is the population of Nickerson?
Nickerson has a population of 572 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,505 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.4% female and 65.6% male.
Is Nickerson expensive to live in?
Nickerson 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 $117,500, 56% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,800 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nickerson safe?
Nickerson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,382 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nickerson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nickerson?
Nickerson 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 75°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 Nickerson?
The job market in Nickerson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,044. There are 1,109 business establishments in the area, including 95 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 40 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nickerson?
The median home value in Nickerson is $74,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,575. For renters, the median monthly rent is $960. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,834.
How are the schools in Nickerson?
Schools in Nickerson score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.4% of adults in Nickerson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 41.6% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nickerson?
The obesity rate in Nickerson is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 17.1% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 88.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,061.
What is transportation like in Nickerson?
The average commute in Nickerson is 40 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nickerson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nickerson is 43.4% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 44.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 55.5% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
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