Median Income
$49,583
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
137/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.9%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$963
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.6%
139% higher than US avg
How Smithfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population115
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density676/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans90.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$49,583
Per Capita$23,589
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty29.6%
County GDP$123M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Rent$963
Ownership42.1%
Zillow$287,498
Housing Units53
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent137/100K
Property2,805/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking13.5%
Depression17.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain23.4 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,547 ft (776 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.9%
High School+75.0%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.59
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute38 min
Broadband38.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Smithfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Smithfield receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Smithfield has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Smithfield is $49,583, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 29.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Smithfield is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,805 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
3.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Smithfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 27°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 23.4 inches, including 20.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Smithfield has a population of 115 with a density of 676 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (80%), with 7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 90.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Smithfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Smithfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Smithfield is $49,583, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,589 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $979, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 76 business establishments, including 67 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Smithfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,583 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,589 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $979 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,837 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.6% |
| 139% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 76 |
| County GDP | $123M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,000 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,498. Homes sell for 92.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $963 (17% 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. 42.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $5,000 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $155 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $963 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 42.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 57.9% |
| Housing Units | 53 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,000 |
| 43% above US avg |
In Smithfield, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 17.0% report depression. 14.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,824. 26.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Smithfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 8.6% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 17.0% |
| Mental Distress | 14.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,824 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,847 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,782/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Smithfield has a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,805 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Smithfield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Smithfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 137.3/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,805.3/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Smithfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 27°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 23.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 20.0 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 2,547 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,547 ft (776 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 676/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5733°N, 99.7409°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Gosper County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR) 40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.4"
38% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
70 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 |
149 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
92 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
94 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 71 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
99 km |
11 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BETTY'S WAY (68,425 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BETTY'S WAY |
68,425 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
23 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
59 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,681 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,149 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,706 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,397 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
12 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Smithfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Smithfield. 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 Smithfield
What is the population of Smithfield?
Smithfield has a population of 115 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 676 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Smithfield expensive to live in?
Smithfield 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 $49,583, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Smithfield safe?
Smithfield is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,805 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Smithfield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Smithfield?
Smithfield has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°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 23.4 inches, with 20.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Smithfield?
The job market in Smithfield is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $979. There are 76 business establishments in the area, including 67 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Smithfield?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $963. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 42.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,000.
How are the schools in Smithfield?
Schools in Smithfield score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.9% of adults in Smithfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Smithfield?
The obesity rate in Smithfield is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 17.0% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 26.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,824.
What is transportation like in Smithfield?
The average commute in Smithfield is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Smithfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Smithfield is 80% White, 7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 90.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.1% of residents have a disability. 76.0% have health insurance coverage.