Alma, NE
Population 1,176 · Nebraska
About Alma, NE
Alma is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 1,176 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,333 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alma features a median home value of $158,200, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Alma in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $875, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 542 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (379 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (91 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alma shows an unemployment rate of 0.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alma have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.8% of Alma residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alma Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Alma, NE
Compared to national averages, Alma has a median household income of $68,333 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,200, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $875 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Alma's income is 4% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 26% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Alma, NE?
Alma offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $875/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,333) that falls below the national average. However, Alma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alma has a population of 1,176 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Alma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Alma
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennet | 1,174 | $100,417 | $252,400 | Compare |
| Creighton | 1,199 | $53,167 | $103,700 | Compare |
| Elm Creek | 1,146 | $75,625 | $197,100 | Compare |
| Sutherland | 1,224 | $73,750 | $176,500 | Compare |
| North Bend | 1,225 | $84,345 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Cairo | 1,117 | $55,179 | $184,000 | Compare |
| Plainview | 1,241 | $56,100 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Weeping Water | 1,244 | $67,083 | $191,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nebraska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alma
What is the population of Alma, NE?
The population of Alma, NE is 1,176 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Alma?
The median household income in Alma, NE is $68,333 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alma?
The median home value in Alma, NE is $158,200, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alma?
The median monthly rent in Alma, NE is $875, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alma?
The unemployment rate in Alma, NE is 0.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alma, NE a good place to live?
Alma offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,176 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Alma, NE?
23.8% of residents in Alma aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Alma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alma, NE: median home value is $158,200 (35% below national), median rent is $875/month, and median household income is $68,333. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alma?
The poverty rate in Alma, NE is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Alma, NE?
Alma's population is 0.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.