Median Income
$36,875
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,400
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
255/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.2%
70% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Odessa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population116
Median Age56.6 yrs
Density64/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$36,875
Per Capita$20,053
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$4,461M
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,400
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$270,773
Housing Units57
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent255/100K
Property2,073/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking12.0%
Depression17.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.6 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,216 ft (675 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.2%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Broadband51.0%
EV Stations15
Libraries6
Is Odessa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Odessa receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Odessa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Odessa is $36,875, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Odessa is $126,400, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Odessa is below the national average at 255 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Odessa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°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 25.6 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Odessa has a population of 116 with a density of 64 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 56.6 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.3% of residents, while 18.8% speak Spanish. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.6yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.3%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.8%
40% above US avg
The median household income in Odessa is $36,875, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,053 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,879 business establishments, including 163 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,875 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,053 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,682 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,879 |
| County GDP | $4,461M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 163 |
| Healthcare | 217 |
| Retail | 246 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,774 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 21.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Odessa is $126,400, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,773, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 57 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $5,774 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,400 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $270,773 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 57 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,774 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.57% |
In Odessa, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 20.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 17.9% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,144. The dentist ratio is 1:1,176. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Odessa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 17.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,144 |
| Dentists | 1:1,176 |
| Mental Health | 1:213 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,530/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 217 |
Odessa has a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,073 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Odessa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Odessa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 255.3/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,073.0/100K |
| 6% 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 |
Odessa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°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 25.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.8 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 2,216 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,216 ft (675 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 64/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6991°N, 99.2544°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buffalo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.6"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
86 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 22, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
102 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
89 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
675 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 417 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
77 km |
4 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
4 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
71 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
91 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
42 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Odessa has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Odessa. 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 Odessa
What is the population of Odessa?
Odessa has a population of 116 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 64 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Odessa expensive to live in?
Odessa 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 $36,875, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,400 (55% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Odessa safe?
Odessa is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Odessa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Odessa?
Odessa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°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 25.6 inches, with 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Odessa?
The job market in Odessa is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,879 business establishments in the area, including 163 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Odessa?
The median home value in Odessa is $126,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,773. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,774.
How are the schools in Odessa?
Schools in Odessa score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.2% of adults in Odessa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Odessa?
The obesity rate in Odessa is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 20.4% are physically inactive. 17.9% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,144.
What are the demographics of Odessa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Odessa is 100% White. 81.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.8% speak Spanish. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.4% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.