Median Income
$80,200
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$121,200
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
20/100K
95% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$636
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Sidney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population935
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density682/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,200
Per Capita$33,928
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$394M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,200
Rent$636
Ownership77.4%
Zillow$179,590
Housing Units451
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent20/100K
Property931/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking15.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,144 ft (349 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute20 min
Broadband85.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Sidney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sidney 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 high obesity rates. Sidney offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sidney is $80,200, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sidney is $121,200, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $636 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sidney is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 931 per 100,000, 53% below the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sidney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches, including 20.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sidney has a population of 935 with a density of 682 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.4% female and 43.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Sidney is $80,200, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,928 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 285 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,200 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,928 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 285 |
| County GDP | $394M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,425 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Sidney is $121,200, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,590, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $636 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 451 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,425. 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,200 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,590 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $636 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.6% |
| Housing Units | 451 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,425 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.83% |
In Sidney, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,567. The dentist ratio is 1:6,464. 28.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sidney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,567 |
| Dentists | 1:6,464 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,229 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,007/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 28.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Sidney has a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents, 95% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 931 per 100,000, 53% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sidney receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sidney vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 19.8/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 930.5/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sidney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 33.3 inches. The area receives 20.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,144 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,144 ft (349 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 682/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7459°N, 95.6447°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fremont County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.3"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively 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: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
42 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
15 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
623 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 497 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
63 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
65 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
78 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Sidney has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Sidney. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $687 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $451 |
| Toddler | $444 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidney
What is the population of Sidney?
Sidney has a population of 935 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 682 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.4% female and 43.6% male.
Is Sidney expensive to live in?
Sidney is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,200, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,200 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $636 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sidney safe?
Sidney is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 931 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sidney receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sidney?
Sidney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.3 inches, with 20.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sidney?
The job market in Sidney is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 285 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sidney?
The median home value in Sidney is $121,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,590. For renters, the median monthly rent is $636. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,425.
How are the schools in Sidney?
Schools in Sidney score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Sidney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sidney?
The obesity rate in Sidney is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 28.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,567.
What is transportation like in Sidney?
The average commute in Sidney is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sidney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sidney is 92.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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