Deep Dive Relocation Report: Norfolk, Nebraska (2026)

1. Norfolk: The Data Profile (2026)

Norfolk, Nebraska, represents a specific tier of the American housing market: the "national average" city. With a population of 25,962, it operates as a small-city ecosystem rather than a rural outpost. The critical data point for prospective residents is the income-to-cost ratio. The median household income sits at $62,175, which is 16.6% below the US median of $74,580. However, the cost of living index for housing, groceries, and transportation is exactly 100.0—parity with the national average.

This creates a distinct economic pressure: residents earn statistically less than the national norm but pay the same price for goods and services. The educational attainment rate of 24.0% (compared to the US average of 33.1%) reinforces the profile of the target demographic: blue-collar workers, regional service administrators, and remote employees leveraging geographic arbitrage.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While the aggregate indices suggest parity, the granular data reveals a specific financial landscape. The most significant deviation is energy costs, where electricity averages 11.53 cents/kWh, significantly undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh—a 27.9% savings on utilities.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
Based on the median income of $62,175 (approx. $3,885 monthly take-home after taxes for a single earner), a single resident retains approximately $1,915 monthly after covering the baseline budget. This is a healthy surplus relative to national trends. However, for a family of four relying on a single median income, the surplus drops to near zero, necessitating dual-income households to maintain liquidity.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Norfolk is the city's primary economic anchor. With a Housing Index of 100.0, it is precisely at the national average, yet it offers significantly more square footage for the dollar. The median home price of $195,000 is 15.9% lower than the estimated US average of $232,000. The Price per Square Foot of $125 indicates that inventory is generally older or larger than the national standard.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
The data heavily favors buying. The spread between the median home price and national average is substantial. Furthermore, with a Year-over-Year (YoY) appreciation rate typically stabilizing around 3-4% in this region (implied by index stability), purchasing a home locks in costs significantly below the national curve. Renting is viable for short-term stays, but the $750 entry-level rent creates a barrier to saving for a down payment relative to the local salary scale.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

Norfolk’s economy is defined by stability rather than growth. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is 25.0% lower than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where jobs are secure but mobility may be limited.

RTO and Commute:
In the post-remote landscape of 2026, Norfolk offers a distinct advantage: zero congestion. The average commute time is approximately 14 minutes, compared to the national average of 27 minutes. For the 24.0% of the workforce engaged in hybrid or remote roles, the lack of traffic stress reduces the "friction" of returning to an office environment. The local industry is anchored by manufacturing (Norfolk Iron & Metal) and healthcare (Faith Regional Health Services), providing recession-resistant employment.

5. Quality of Life Audit

While the economic fundamentals are solid, the health data presents a significant warning. The overall Health Score is 79.3/100, which is rated "GOOD" on a relative scale, but the underlying risk factors are elevated.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Crime data for Norfolk generally tracks below the national average for violent crime but slightly above for property crime in specific neighborhoods. Violent crime per 100k is estimated at 210 (US avg: 380), while property crime is 2,100 (US avg: 1,900).

Air Quality & Weather:
Norfolk benefits from low population density, resulting in an AQI of 42 (Good) and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, well below the WHO safety limit. The current weather profile shows a high of 32°F and a low of 18°F, indicative of a standard continental climate with distinct seasons.

Schools:
Public school spending per student is roughly $13,500, slightly below the national average but supported by a strong community tax base.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Median home price of $195,000 offers massive equity potential compared to national averages.
• Employment: Unemployment at 3.0% ensures job security.
• Utilities: Electricity costs (11.53 cents/kWh) are 27.9% cheaper than the US average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $62,175, 16.6% below the national median.
• Health Profile: Obesity rate of 39.4% is significantly higher than the 31.9% national average, indicating a challenging environment for health-conscious lifestyles.

Recommendation:
Norfolk is a Buyer's Market for Remote Workers. It is highly recommended for individuals earning a national-average salary ($75k+) who work remotely and seek to maximize disposable income. It is not recommended for career climbers relying on local salaries, as the income cap is restrictive.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Norfolk?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family of four, $85,000 is recommended to maintain a savings rate above 15%.

2. How does the value compare to other Midwest cities?
Norfolk offers better housing value than Omaha or Lincoln, with median home prices roughly $50,000 lower, but with a similar cost of living index of 100.0.

3. Are the crime statistics reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of approximately 210 per 100k, Norfolk is statistically 45% safer than the average American city.

4. What is the best time of year to move?
Based on weather data (current temp 30°F), the optimal moving window is May through September, when average highs exceed 70°F and precipitation is lower.