Amherst, NE
Population 273 · Nebraska
About Amherst, NE
Amherst is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 273 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,917 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Amherst features a median home value of $169,600, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Amherst in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $683, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 103 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (81 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (20 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Amherst shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Amherst have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.9% of Amherst 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 0.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Amherst Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Amherst, NE
Compared to national averages, Amherst has a median household income of $67,917 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $169,600, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $683 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Amherst's income is 3% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 35% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Amherst, NE?
Amherst offers affordable housing with a median home value of $169,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $683/month, and a well-educated community where 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,917) that falls below the national average. However, Amherst’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Amherst has a population of 273 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Amherst with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
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Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nebraska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Amherst
What is the population of Amherst, NE?
The population of Amherst, NE is 273 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Amherst?
The median household income in Amherst, NE is $67,917 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Amherst?
The median home value in Amherst, NE is $169,600, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Amherst?
The median monthly rent in Amherst, NE is $683, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Amherst?
The unemployment rate in Amherst, NE is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Amherst, NE a good place to live?
Amherst offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 273 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Amherst, NE?
35.9% of residents in Amherst aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Amherst?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Amherst, NE: median home value is $169,600 (31% below national), median rent is $683/month, and median household income is $67,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Amherst?
The poverty rate in Amherst, NE is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Amherst, NE?
Amherst's population is 0.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.