Brainard, NE
Population 279 · Nebraska
About Brainard, NE
Brainard is a small community in Nebraska with a population of 279 residents. The median household income is $73,750 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Brainard is 50.5 years.
Housing in Brainard has a median home value of $158,700 and median monthly rent of $700. Of the 173 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 112 owner-occupied and 24 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Brainard is 0.6% and the poverty rate is 3.9%. 22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.5 minutes.
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.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Brainard
What is the population of Brainard, NE?
The population of Brainard, NE is 279 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Brainard?
The median household income in Brainard, NE is $73,750 per year.
What is the median home value in Brainard?
The median home value in Brainard, NE is $158,700.
What is the average rent in Brainard?
The median monthly rent in Brainard, NE is $700.
What is the unemployment rate in Brainard?
The unemployment rate in Brainard, NE is 0.6%.