Beatrice, NE
Population 12,233 · Nebraska
About Beatrice, NE
Beatrice is a mid-sized city located in Nebraska with a population of 12,233 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,583 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Beatrice features a median home value of $152,900, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Beatrice in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $753, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,105 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (3,509 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (2,001 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Beatrice shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Beatrice have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Beatrice residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Beatrice Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Beatrice, NE
Compared to national averages, Beatrice has a median household income of $54,583 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,900, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $753 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Beatrice's income is 17% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 22% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Beatrice, NE?
Beatrice offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $753/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,583) that falls below the national average. However, Beatrice’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Beatrice has a population of 12,233 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Beatrice with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Beatrice
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington | 10,693 | $62,364 | $155,200 | Compare |
| Chalco | 10,625 | $81,427 | $224,400 | Compare |
| South Sioux City | 13,871 | $68,397 | $160,900 | Compare |
| Scottsbluff | 14,406 | $53,448 | $141,300 | Compare |
| Gretna | 9,117 | $118,765 | $326,000 | Compare |
| Gering | 8,567 | $70,244 | $170,700 | Compare |
| York | 8,114 | $62,632 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Alliance | 8,089 | $65,599 | $156,300 | 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 Beatrice With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Beatrice
What is the population of Beatrice, NE?
The population of Beatrice, NE is 12,233 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Beatrice?
The median household income in Beatrice, NE is $54,583 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Beatrice?
The median home value in Beatrice, NE is $152,900, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Beatrice?
The median monthly rent in Beatrice, NE is $753, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Beatrice?
The unemployment rate in Beatrice, NE is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Beatrice, NE a good place to live?
Beatrice offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,233 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Beatrice, NE?
19.9% of residents in Beatrice 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 Beatrice?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Beatrice, NE: median home value is $152,900 (38% below national), median rent is $753/month, and median household income is $54,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Beatrice?
The poverty rate in Beatrice, NE is 19.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Beatrice, NE?
Beatrice's population is 2.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.