Brainard, NE
Population 279 · Nebraska
About Brainard, NE
Brainard is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 279 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,750 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.5 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 Brainard features a median home value of $158,700, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Brainard in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 173 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (112 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (24 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brainard shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Brainard have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.5% of Brainard 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 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brainard Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Brainard, NE
Compared to national averages, Brainard has a median household income of $73,750 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,700, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Brainard's income is 12% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 26% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Brainard, NE?
Brainard offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,750) that falls below the national average. However, Brainard’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brainard has a population of 279 with a median age of 50.5 years. Compare Brainard with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Brainard
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
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 Brainard With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brainard
What is the population of Brainard, NE?
The population of Brainard, NE is 279 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 Brainard?
The median household income in Brainard, NE is $73,750 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brainard?
The median home value in Brainard, NE is $158,700, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brainard?
The median monthly rent in Brainard, NE is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brainard?
The unemployment rate in Brainard, NE is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Brainard, NE a good place to live?
Brainard offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 279 and a median age of 50.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Brainard, NE?
22.5% of residents in Brainard 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 Brainard?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brainard, NE: median home value is $158,700 (35% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $73,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brainard?
The poverty rate in Brainard, NE is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Brainard, NE?
Brainard's population is 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.