Central City, NE
Population 3,039 · Nebraska
About Central City, NE
Central City is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 3,039 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,012 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Central City features a median home value of $158,300, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Central City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $729, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,268 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (821 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (397 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Central City 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 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Central City have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.7% of Central City 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 3.9% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Central City Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Central City, NE
Compared to national averages, Central City has a median household income of $62,012 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,300, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $729 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Central City's income is 6% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 26% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Central City, NE?
Central City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $729/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,012) that falls below the national average. However, Central City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Central City has a population of 3,039 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Central City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Central City
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minden | 3,020 | $64,846 | $188,100 | Compare |
| David City | 3,013 | $66,585 | $158,800 | Compare |
| Ashland | 3,083 | $80,948 | $229,100 | Compare |
| Dakota City | 2,980 | $80,433 | $170,200 | Compare |
| Valley | 3,113 | $106,750 | $515,100 | Compare |
| Hickman | 2,834 | $104,219 | $294,200 | Compare |
| Milford | 2,656 | $80,997 | $225,200 | Compare |
| Gothenburg | 3,436 | $79,519 | $173,200 | 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 Central City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Central City
What is the population of Central City, NE?
The population of Central City, NE is 3,039 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 Central City?
The median household income in Central City, NE is $62,012 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Central City?
The median home value in Central City, NE is $158,300, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Central City?
The median monthly rent in Central City, NE is $729, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Central City?
The unemployment rate in Central City, 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 Central City, NE a good place to live?
Central City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,039 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Central City, NE?
19.7% of residents in Central City 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 Central City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Central City, NE: median home value is $158,300 (35% below national), median rent is $729/month, and median household income is $62,012. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Central City?
The poverty rate in Central City, NE is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Central City, NE?
Central City's population is 3.9% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.