NebraskaPop. 26,054Small cities
Is Norfolk a Good Place to Live? Norfolk, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Norfolk ranks #479 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #87 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13 min, #3 of 208) and low rents ($875/mo, #19 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Norfolk by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Norfolk's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Norfolk?
Norfolk's cost of living index is 86.3, 14% below the US level of 100 and #71 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $875/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $259,095, 8% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Norfolk | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 86.3#71 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $259,095#271 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,281/mo#149 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $211,700#266 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $875/mo#69 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.8%#222 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Norfolk housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Norfolk is in the Norfolk, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Norfolk safe?
Norfolk recorded 221 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 1% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #399 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #74 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norfolk Police Department. Property crime runs 987 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Norfolk | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 221#399 of 1,085 | 218 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 987#209 of 1,085 | 1,379 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Norfolk?
The median household in Norfolk earns $58,884, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Norfolk | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $58,884#1066 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.3%#813 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.3%#186 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Norfolk?
The median resident of Norfolk is 37.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 24% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1020 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Norfolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 24%#1020 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 60.9% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Norfolk's schools and health?
Norfolk's 10 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $13,425 spent per pupil. 39.4% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Norfolk | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,425#776 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 39.4%#1078 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14.4%#187 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.8%#756 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,342 students are enrolled in Norfolk's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Norfolk?
The average commute in Norfolk is 13 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0% of workers take transit and 5.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Norfolk scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.5°F and winters 24.8°F, with 27 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Norfolk | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 13 min#29 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 1.7%#30 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79.4% | 75.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.6% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.3% | 9.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.7 | 11.8 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 37 | 15.6 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 49.6 | 26 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 61.4 | 36.5 | 2.7 |
| May | 72.2 | 48 | 4 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 58.6 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 63.2 | 3 |
| Aug | 84 | 60.8 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 77.4 | 51.3 | 2.4 |
| Oct | 63.6 | 38.1 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 48.3 | 25.2 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 35.7 | 15.6 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norfolk Karl Stefan Mem Airport.
| Measure | Norfolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 49.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 72.5°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 24.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 27 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norfolk Karl Stefan Mem Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Norfolk?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Norfolk's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Norfolk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#983 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Madison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Madison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.028% | 97% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0019% | 92% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0099% | 91% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0053% | 88% of counties |
| Hail | 0.012% | 87% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 84% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0052% | 78% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Norfolk compare with similar-size cities?
Norfolk is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #87 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 26,054.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #479 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 | 13 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 min |
| Wheeling, WVPop. 26,350 | #1139 | 47.0 | $48,590 | $794/mo | 816 | 19.8 min |
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #388 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 | 14.3 min |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #1149 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data | 22 min |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #655 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year | 23 min |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #885 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 | 20.3 min |
| Yukon, OKPop. 25,529 | #504 | 58.0 | $75,273 | $1,274/mo | 293 | 22.8 min |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #910 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 | 17.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Norfolk compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Norfolk ranks #6 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 58.4 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 23% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 1% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Nebraska home.
| City | Rank in NE | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papillion, NEPop. 25,244 | #1 | 68.8 | $111,679 | $1,269/mo | 48 |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #2 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #3 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 |
| La Vista, NEPop. 16,563 | #4 | 60.4 | $81,961 | $1,317/mo | 67 |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #5 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #6 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #7 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #8 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #9 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #10 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 |
| Hastings, NEPop. 25,008 | #11 | 56.7 | $64,048 | $858/mo | 239 |
| Chalco, NEPop. 10,595 | #12 | 56.4 | $85,672 | $1,195/mo | no data |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #13 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 |
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #14 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #15 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #16 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #17 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #18 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #19 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 |
| Scottsbluff, NEPop. 14,376 | #20 | 45.7 | $56,359 | $966/mo | 672 |
All 20 Nebraska cities we track, by overall score. Nebraska statewide: median income $76,376, violent crime 218.4 per 100,000.
How is Norfolk's score calculated?
Norfolk scores 58.4 out of 100, #479 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Nebraska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Norfolk. Similar-size median 52.9.
52.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Norfolk's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
85.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Norfolk. Similar-size median 52.2.
53.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Norfolk's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
62.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Norfolk's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
86.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Norfolk. Similar-size median 46.7.
39.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Norfolk. Similar-size median 44.2.
58.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Norfolk. Similar-size median 47.3.
47.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Norfolk's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
23.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Norfolk's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Norfolk has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Norfolk
Is Norfolk, NE a good place to live?
Norfolk ranks #479 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #87 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13 min, #3 of 208) and low rents ($875/mo, #19 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk?
Norfolk's cost of living index is 86.3, 14% below the US level of 100 and #71 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $875/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $259,095, 8% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Norfolk?
Norfolk recorded 221 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 1% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #399 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #74 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norfolk Police Department. Property crime runs 987 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Norfolk?
The median household in Norfolk earns $58,884, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Norfolk?
Median rent in Norfolk is $875/mo (Census), #69 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,281/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Norfolk?
The typical home value in Norfolk is $259,095, up 4% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $211,700.
How are the public schools in Norfolk?
Norfolk's 10 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $13,425 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Norfolk?
The average commute is 13 minutes, #29 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 1.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Norfolk?
Norfolk averages 49.2°F over the year, 72.5°F in summer and 24.8°F in winter, with 27 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Norfolk walkable?
Norfolk scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Norfolk at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
Who lives in Norfolk?
Norfolk has 26,054 residents. The median resident of Norfolk is 37.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 24% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1020 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Norfolk compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Norfolk ranks #6 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 58.4 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 23% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 1% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Norfolk?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Norfolk's population of 26,054 are Ewa Gentry, HI (#205 overall), Wheeling, WV (#1139 overall), Moscow, ID (#388 overall), Carolina Forest, SC (#1149 overall), and Derby, KS (#655 overall). Norfolk is #479.