Median Income
$75,357
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,100
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.0%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$766
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wilcox Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population331
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density662/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans15.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$75,357
Per Capita$31,991
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,031M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,100
Rent$766
Ownership62.9%
Zillow$242,778
Housing Units146
Rent Burden15.9%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property2,312/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking12.4%
Depression17.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.4 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,234 ft (681 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.0%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute26 min
Broadband80.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Wilcox a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wilcox 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. Wilcox offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wilcox is $75,357, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wilcox is $111,100, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $766 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
Wilcox is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,312 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wilcox experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°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 25.4 inches, including 23.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Wilcox has a population of 331 with a density of 662 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 15.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Wilcox is $75,357, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,991 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,110, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (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 421 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,357 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,991 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,110 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,764 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 421 |
| County GDP | $1,031M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,685 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Wilcox is $111,100, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,778, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $766 (34% 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. 62.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 146 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,685 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.9% 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 | $111,100 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $242,778 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $766 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Housing Units | 146 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,685 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.22% |
In Wilcox, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 12.4% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 17.5% report depression. 13.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:993. The dentist ratio is 1:1,498. 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wilcox vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.4% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 17.5% |
| Mental Distress | 13.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:993 |
| Dentists | 1:1,498 |
| Mental Health | 1:604 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Wilcox has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,312 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. Overall, Wilcox receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wilcox vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.2/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,312.1/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wilcox experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°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 25.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.6 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 2,234 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,234 ft (681 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 662/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3644°N, 99.1693°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Phelps County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.4"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
143 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 |
130 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
95 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
114 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
122 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
681 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 360 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
71 km |
4 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
4 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
81 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
77 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
44 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
82 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
51 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 |
39°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Wilcox has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 27°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wilcox. 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 Wilcox
What is the population of Wilcox?
Wilcox has a population of 331 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 662 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 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 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Wilcox expensive to live in?
Wilcox 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 $75,357, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,100 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $766 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 Wilcox safe?
Wilcox is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,312 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wilcox receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wilcox?
Wilcox has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°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 25.4 inches, with 23.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Wilcox?
The job market in Wilcox is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,110. There are 421 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wilcox?
The median home value in Wilcox is $111,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,778. For renters, the median monthly rent is $766. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,685.
How are the schools in Wilcox?
Schools in Wilcox score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.0% of adults in Wilcox hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wilcox?
The obesity rate in Wilcox is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.4% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 17.5% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:993.
What is transportation like in Wilcox?
The average commute in Wilcox is 26 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wilcox?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wilcox is 94.6% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 15.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
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