Chadron, NE
Population 5,207 · Nebraska
About Chadron, NE
Chadron is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 5,207 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,026 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chadron features a median home value of $153,300, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chadron in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,044, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,437 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (1,253 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (794 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chadron shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chadron have an average one-way commute time of 11.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.4% of Chadron residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chadron Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Chadron, NE
Compared to national averages, Chadron has a median household income of $54,026 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,300, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,044 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Chadron's income is 18% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 22% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Chadron, NE?
Chadron offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,044/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 41.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 11.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,026) that falls below the national average. However, Chadron’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chadron has a population of 5,207 with a median age of 26.8 years. Compare Chadron with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Chadron
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holdrege | 5,503 | $55,263 | $166,600 | Compare |
| Wahoo | 4,885 | $81,544 | $227,100 | Compare |
| Ogallala | 4,800 | $55,481 | $135,500 | Compare |
| Offutt AFB | 5,663 | $67,803 | $0 | Compare |
| Aurora | 4,665 | $71,051 | $221,700 | Compare |
| Waverly | 4,363 | $110,000 | $290,000 | Compare |
| Wayne | 6,055 | $52,804 | $198,600 | Compare |
| Falls City | 4,099 | $45,750 | $91,900 | 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 Chadron With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chadron
What is the population of Chadron, NE?
The population of Chadron, NE is 5,207 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 Chadron?
The median household income in Chadron, NE is $54,026 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chadron?
The median home value in Chadron, NE is $153,300, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chadron?
The median monthly rent in Chadron, NE is $1,044, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chadron?
The unemployment rate in Chadron, NE is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chadron, NE a good place to live?
Chadron offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,207 and a median age of 26.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chadron, NE?
41.4% of residents in Chadron aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chadron?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chadron, NE: median home value is $153,300 (37% below national), median rent is $1,044/month, and median household income is $54,026. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chadron?
The poverty rate in Chadron, NE is 13.8%, 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 Chadron, NE?
Chadron's population is 2.5% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.