Median Income
$53,077
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$173,800
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
156/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ponca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population707
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density918/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,077
Per Capita$65,604
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$480M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,800
Rent$575
Ownership71.6%
Zillow$220,815
Housing Units389
Rent Burden34.8%
Crime
F
Violent156/100K
Property3,662/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.0%
Depression17.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,201 ft (366 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute20 min
Broadband74.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Ponca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ponca receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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, high obesity rates. Ponca offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ponca is $53,077, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ponca is $173,800, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ponca is below the national average at 156 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the national average.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Ponca experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°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 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Ponca has a population of 707 with a density of 918 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.9% female and 57.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Ponca is $53,077, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $65,604 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (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 147 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,077 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $65,604 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,189 |
| Gini Index | 0.488 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $480M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Ponca is $173,800, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,815, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% 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. 71.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 389 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,800 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,815 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.4% |
| Housing Units | 389 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.67% |
In Ponca, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 17.5% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,545. The dentist ratio is 1:2,732. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ponca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 17.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,545 |
| Dentists | 1:2,732 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,491 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Ponca has a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ponca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ponca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 156.3/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,661.8/100K |
| 87% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ponca experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°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 28.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,201 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,201 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 918/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5649°N, 96.7092°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dixon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.0"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.4 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
69 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
111 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
627 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 319 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
4 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Ponca has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Ponca. 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 Ponca
What is the population of Ponca?
Ponca has a population of 707 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 918 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.9% female and 57.1% male.
Is Ponca expensive to live in?
Ponca 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 $53,077, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,800 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ponca safe?
Ponca is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ponca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ponca?
Ponca has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°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 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Ponca?
The job market in Ponca is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ponca?
The median home value in Ponca is $173,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,815. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,900.
How are the schools in Ponca?
Schools in Ponca score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Ponca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ponca?
The obesity rate in Ponca is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 17.5% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,545.
What is transportation like in Ponca?
The average commute in Ponca is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ponca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ponca is 92.2% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
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