Broken Bow, NE
Population 3,524 · Nebraska
About Broken Bow, NE
Broken Bow is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 3,524 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,438 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Broken Bow features a median home value of $124,600, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Broken Bow one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $826, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,795 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (852 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (650 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Broken Bow shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Broken Bow have an average one-way commute time of 10.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.4% of Broken Bow 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 5.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Broken Bow Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Broken Bow, NE
Compared to national averages, Broken Bow has a median household income of $56,438 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $124,600, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $826 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Broken Bow's income is 14% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 1% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Broken Bow, NE?
Broken Bow offers affordable housing with a median home value of $124,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $826/month, and short commute times averaging just 10.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,438) that falls below the national average. However, Broken Bow’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Broken Bow has a population of 3,524 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Broken Bow with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Broken Bow
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Point | 3,479 | $63,977 | $209,200 | Compare |
| O'Neill | 3,574 | $66,458 | $130,900 | Compare |
| Auburn | 3,468 | $58,674 | $98,900 | Compare |
| Gothenburg | 3,436 | $79,519 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Fairbury | 3,905 | $51,782 | $90,800 | Compare |
| Valley | 3,113 | $106,750 | $515,100 | Compare |
| Cozad | 3,944 | $50,161 | $118,600 | Compare |
| Ashland | 3,083 | $80,948 | $229,100 | 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 Broken Bow With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Broken Bow
What is the population of Broken Bow, NE?
The population of Broken Bow, NE is 3,524 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Broken Bow?
The median household income in Broken Bow, NE is $56,438 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Broken Bow?
The median home value in Broken Bow, NE is $124,600, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Broken Bow?
The median monthly rent in Broken Bow, NE is $826, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Broken Bow?
The unemployment rate in Broken Bow, NE is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Broken Bow, NE a good place to live?
Broken Bow offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,524 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Broken Bow, NE?
20.4% of residents in Broken Bow 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 Broken Bow?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Broken Bow, NE: median home value is $124,600 (49% below national), median rent is $826/month, and median household income is $56,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Broken Bow?
The poverty rate in Broken Bow, NE is 14.6%, 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 Broken Bow, NE?
Broken Bow's population is 5.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.