Benkelman, NE
Population 946 · Nebraska
About Benkelman, NE
Benkelman is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 946 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,500 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46 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 Benkelman features a median home value of $84,800, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Benkelman one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $580, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 509 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (318 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (106 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Benkelman shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Benkelman have an average one-way commute time of 7.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.9% of Benkelman 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 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Benkelman Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Benkelman, NE
Compared to national averages, Benkelman has a median household income of $42,500 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,800, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $580 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Benkelman's income is 36% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 33% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Benkelman, NE?
Benkelman offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $580/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 7.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,500) that falls below the national average. However, Benkelman’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Benkelman has a population of 946 with a median age of 46 years. Compare Benkelman with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Benkelman
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel | 947 | $56,250 | $152,500 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 950 | $75,417 | $218,400 | Compare |
| Crawford | 957 | $58,438 | $75,600 | Compare |
| Newman Grove | 934 | $57,000 | $82,500 | Compare |
| Pawnee City | 930 | $38,611 | $57,000 | Compare |
| Crofton | 920 | $80,000 | $119,000 | Compare |
| Henderson | 918 | $76,538 | $142,700 | Compare |
| Tilden | 977 | $66,731 | $116,900 | 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 Benkelman With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Benkelman
What is the population of Benkelman, NE?
The population of Benkelman, NE is 946 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 Benkelman?
The median household income in Benkelman, NE is $42,500 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Benkelman?
The median home value in Benkelman, NE is $84,800, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Benkelman?
The median monthly rent in Benkelman, NE is $580, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Benkelman?
The unemployment rate in Benkelman, NE is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Benkelman, NE a good place to live?
Benkelman offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 946 and a median age of 46, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Benkelman, NE?
22.9% of residents in Benkelman 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 Benkelman?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Benkelman, NE: median home value is $84,800 (65% below national), median rent is $580/month, and median household income is $42,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Benkelman?
The poverty rate in Benkelman, NE is 17.2%, 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 Benkelman, NE?
Benkelman's population is 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.1% of residents are foreign-born.