Median Income
$71,250
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,600
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
156/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$665
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Thurston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population118
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density421/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans98.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,250
Per Capita$37,871
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$605M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,600
Rent$665
Ownership83.9%
Zillow$215,270
Housing Units54
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent156/100K
Property3,662/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking18.5%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain30.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,404 ft (428 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score2.47
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 46%
Commute14 min
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Thurston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thurston receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Thurston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thurston is $71,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Thurston is $108,600, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $665 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
Violent crime in Thurston 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
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Thurston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches, including 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Thurston has a population of 118 with a density of 421 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.9% female and 55.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 98.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Thurston is $71,250, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,871. The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 164 business establishments, including 4 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
| Median HH Income | $71,250 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,871 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,733 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 164 |
| County GDP | $605M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,840 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Thurston is $108,600, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,270, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $665 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $799 for a one-bedroom to $961 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 54 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,840. 22.5% 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 | $108,600 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,270 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $665 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $666 |
| 1 Bedroom | $799 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $961 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,189 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,272 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.1% |
| Housing Units | 54 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,840 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.54% |
In Thurston, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 19.6% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,103. The dentist ratio is 1:1,085. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thurston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,103 |
| Dentists | 1:1,085 |
| Mental Health | 1:205 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 27,026/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Thurston 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, Thurston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thurston 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 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thurston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. The area receives 35.5 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 1,404 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,404 ft (428 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 421/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1747°N, 96.7016°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Thurston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.7"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very 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: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
94 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 296 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
3 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
98 km |
6 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
64 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Thurston has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Thurston. 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 Thurston
What is the population of Thurston?
Thurston has a population of 118 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 421 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.9% female and 55.1% male.
Is Thurston expensive to live in?
Thurston 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 $71,250, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,600 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $665 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 Thurston safe?
Thurston 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, Thurston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thurston?
Thurston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.7 inches, with 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Thurston?
The job market in Thurston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 164 business establishments in the area, including 4 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 Thurston?
The median home value in Thurston is $108,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,270. For renters, the median monthly rent is $665. Fair market rent is $799 for a 1-bedroom and $961 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,840.
How are the schools in Thurston?
Schools in Thurston have an average test score of 2.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.7% of adults in Thurston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thurston?
The obesity rate in Thurston is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,103.
What is transportation like in Thurston?
The average commute in Thurston is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thurston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thurston is 98.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 98.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
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