Median Income
$50,536
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$64,800
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
52/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$549
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Red Cloud Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population991
Median Age45.8 yrs
Density962/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,536
Per Capita$28,512
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$364M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$64,800
Rent$549
Ownership71.8%
Zillow$100,030
Housing Units538
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent52/100K
Property1,258/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking16.4%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.5 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,717 ft (523 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute14 min
Broadband90.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Red Cloud a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Red Cloud receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Red Cloud offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Red Cloud is $50,536, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Red Cloud is $64,800, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $549 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Red Cloud is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 52 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,258 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Red Cloud experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.5 inches, including 18.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Red Cloud has a population of 991 with a density of 962 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 45.8 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91.7%), with 6.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.8yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Red Cloud vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Red Cloud vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Red Cloud is $50,536, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,512 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $823, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 128 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 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Red Cloud vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,536 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,512 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $823 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,309 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 128 |
| County GDP | $364M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Red Cloud is $64,800, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,030, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $549 (53% 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. 71.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 538 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $64,800 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $100,030 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $549 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.2% |
| Housing Units | 538 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
In Red Cloud, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,411. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Red Cloud vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,411 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,675 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Red Cloud has a violent crime rate of 52 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,258 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Red Cloud receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Red Cloud vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 52.4/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,257.9/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Red Cloud experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°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 25.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.6 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 1,717 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.0°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,717 ft (523 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 962/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0864°N, 98.5222°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR) 51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.5"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
144 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 |
124 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
33 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
48 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
52 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
50 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
42 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
19 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
49 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
46 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
33 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
41 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
50 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
807 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 452 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
53 km |
4 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
4 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
24 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
75 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Red Cloud has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Red Cloud. 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 Red Cloud
What is the population of Red Cloud?
Red Cloud has a population of 991 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 962 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Red Cloud expensive to live in?
Red Cloud 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 $50,536, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $64,800 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $549 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Red Cloud safe?
Red Cloud is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 52 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,258 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Red Cloud receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Red Cloud?
Red Cloud has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.5 inches, with 18.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Red Cloud?
The job market in Red Cloud is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $823. There are 128 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Red Cloud?
The median home value in Red Cloud is $64,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,030. For renters, the median monthly rent is $549. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.8%.
How are the schools in Red Cloud?
Schools in Red Cloud score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Red Cloud hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Red Cloud?
The obesity rate in Red Cloud is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,411.
What is transportation like in Red Cloud?
The average commute in Red Cloud is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Red Cloud?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Red Cloud is 91.7% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.