Median Income
$81,000
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$131,300
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
255/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.9%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,125
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Riverdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population291
Median Age28.3 yrs
Density1,119/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,000
Per Capita$23,309
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$4,461M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,300
Rent$1,125
Ownership92.9%
Zillow$297,762
Housing Units99
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent255/100K
Property2,073/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking11.9%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.6 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,183 ft (665 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.9%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute16 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations15
Libraries6
Is Riverdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riverdale receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Riverdale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Riverdale is $81,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riverdale is $131,300, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Riverdale 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
27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Riverdale 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.
Riverdale has a population of 291 with a density of 1,119 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.3 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.9% female and 58.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.3yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Riverdale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Riverdale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Riverdale is $81,000, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,309 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% 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. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Riverdale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,000 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,309 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,682 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% 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 | 4.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Riverdale is $131,300, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,762, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,125 (3% 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. 92.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,774 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.5% 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 | $131,300 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $297,762 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,125 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.1% |
| Housing Units | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,774 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.40% |
In Riverdale, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 11.9% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.0% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% 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: Riverdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.9% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,144 |
| Dentists | 1:1,176 |
| Mental Health | 1:213 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,530/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 217 |
Riverdale 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, Riverdale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Riverdale 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 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Riverdale 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 2,183 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 | 2,183 ft (665 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,119/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7839°N, 99.1605°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buffalo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.6"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.06"
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
82 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 |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
102 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
81 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
97 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
92 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 |
135 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
704 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 427 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
72 km |
4 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
61 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 739 (32,997 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
98 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
54 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
97 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) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Riverdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Riverdale. 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 Riverdale
What is the population of Riverdale?
Riverdale has a population of 291 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,119 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.9% female and 58.1% male.
Is Riverdale expensive to live in?
Riverdale 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 $81,000, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,300 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Riverdale safe?
Riverdale 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, Riverdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Riverdale?
Riverdale 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 Riverdale?
The job market in Riverdale is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / 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. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riverdale?
The median home value in Riverdale is $131,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,762. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,125. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,774.
How are the schools in Riverdale?
Schools in Riverdale score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.9% of adults in Riverdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riverdale?
The obesity rate in Riverdale is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.9% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 7.1% 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 is transportation like in Riverdale?
The average commute in Riverdale is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riverdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riverdale is 97.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.