Median Income
$47,813
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,400
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
114/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.6%
6% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Oberlin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,763
Median Age53.2 yrs
Density923/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,813
Per Capita$34,346
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$222M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,400
Rent$750
Ownership79.0%
Zillow$105,661
Housing Units989
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent114/100K
Property398/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault57/100K
Burglary114/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.4%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain21.8 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,570 ft (783 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.6%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute12 min
Broadband88.7%
Libraries3
Is Oberlin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oberlin 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 below-average incomes. Oberlin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oberlin is $47,813, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oberlin is $77,400, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Oberlin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 398 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
31.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Oberlin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.8 inches, including 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Oberlin has a population of 1,763 with a density of 923 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 53.2 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.2yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Oberlin is $47,813, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,346 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $737, 49% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 132 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 21.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,813 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,346 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $737 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 132 |
| County GDP | $222M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.4% |
| Public Transit | 6.1% |
| Work from Home | 21.6% |
The median home value in Oberlin is $77,400, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,661, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 989 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,400 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $105,661 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.0% |
| Housing Units | 989 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
In Oberlin, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oberlin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,712 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Oberlin has a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 56.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 56.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 398 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 285, burglary at 114, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oberlin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oberlin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 113.8/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 56.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 56.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 398.4/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Burglary | 113.8/100K |
| Theft | 284.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oberlin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 326 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 21.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,570 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,570 ft (783 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 923/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8230°N, 100.5307°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.8"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.1 / 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 |
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
62 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
116 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
85 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
34 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Nov 1, 2002 |
9 km SSW of Natoma, Kansas |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
523 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 20 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1954 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
39 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
84 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
49 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Oberlin has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Oberlin. 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 Oberlin
What is the population of Oberlin?
Oberlin has a population of 1,763 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 923 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Oberlin expensive to live in?
Oberlin 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 $47,813, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,400 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oberlin safe?
Oberlin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 398 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Oberlin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oberlin?
Oberlin 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 77°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.8 inches, with 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Oberlin?
The job market in Oberlin is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $737. There are 132 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 21.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oberlin?
The median home value in Oberlin is $77,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,661. For renters, the median monthly rent is $750. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.0%.
How are the schools in Oberlin?
Schools in Oberlin score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.6% of adults in Oberlin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oberlin?
The obesity rate in Oberlin is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Oberlin?
The average commute in Oberlin is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.4% of workers drive alone to work, 6.1% use public transit, and 21.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oberlin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oberlin is 91.3% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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