Median Income
$62,175
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$199,100
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.0%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Norfolk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population25,962
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density1,431/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,175
Per Capita$36,287
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$738M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$199,100
Rent$850
Ownership63.2%
Zillow$250,504
Housing Units11,557
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property1,543/100K
Murder4.1/100K
Assault77/100K
Burglary130/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking14.8%
Depression16.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,533 ft (467 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.0%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score6.55
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute13 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations9
Libraries3
Is Norfolk a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Norfolk receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 high obesity rates. Norfolk offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Norfolk is $62,175, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Norfolk is $199,100, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Norfolk is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,543 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
24.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Norfolk experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Norfolk has a population of 25,962 with a density of 1,431 people per square mile, spread across 18.1 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.8% of residents, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.8%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.2%
16% below US avg
The median household income in Norfolk is $62,175, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,287. The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 244 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,175 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,287 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,902 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 244 |
| County GDP | $738M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Norfolk is $199,100, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,504, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $850 (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. 63.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 11,557 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,155 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $199,100 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,504 |
| Median List Price | $259,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $259,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $114 |
| Homes Sold | 14 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 19.4% |
| Inventory | 67 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,251 |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.8% |
| Housing Units | 11,557 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Norfolk, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 16.9% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438. The dentist ratio is 1:2,444. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
14.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
18.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.4
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
121.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Norfolk vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 16.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,438 |
| Dentists | 1:2,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,299 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,469/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 76.9 per 100,000, robbery at 4.1, rape at 44.5. The murder rate is 4.1 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,543 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,308, burglary at 130, vehicle theft at 105 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Norfolk receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Norfolk vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 129.6/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| Murder | 4.1/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rape | 44.5/100K |
| Robbery | 4.1/100K |
| Assault | 76.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,542.6/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| Burglary | 129.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,307.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 105.3/100K |
| Arson | 8.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Norfolk experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.3 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 1,533 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,533 ft (467 m) |
| Area | 18.1 sq mi (47.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,431/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0282°N, 97.4278°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pierce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
55 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
33 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
32 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
557 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 292 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
26 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
42 km |
6 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1979 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1975 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Norfolk has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk
What is the population of Norfolk?
Norfolk has a population of 25,962 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,431 people per square mile, spread across 18.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Norfolk expensive to live in?
Norfolk 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 $62,175, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $199,100 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Norfolk safe?
Norfolk is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,543 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Norfolk receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Norfolk?
Norfolk has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Norfolk?
The job market in Norfolk is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 244 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Norfolk?
The median home value in Norfolk is $199,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,504. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,155.
How are the schools in Norfolk?
Schools in Norfolk score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.0% of adults in Norfolk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Norfolk?
The obesity rate in Norfolk is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 16.9% of residents report depression. 11.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438.
What is transportation like in Norfolk?
The average commute in Norfolk is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Norfolk?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Norfolk is 82.6% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 88.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
