Clay Center, NE
Population 750 · Nebraska
About Clay Center, NE
Clay Center is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 750 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,833 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clay Center features a median home value of $148,300, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clay Center in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $620, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 346 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (256 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (56 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clay Center shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clay Center have an average one-way commute time of 20.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.6% of Clay Center 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, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clay Center Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Clay Center, NE
Compared to national averages, Clay Center has a median household income of $75,833 (1% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $148,300, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $620 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Clay Center's income is 15% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 18% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Clay Center, NE?
Clay Center offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $75,833, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $148,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $620/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%, and a low poverty rate of 2.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.9 minutes.
Clay Center has a population of 750 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Clay Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Clay Center
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyons | 751 | $38,333 | $101,100 | Compare |
| Axtell | 744 | $64,196 | $192,400 | Compare |
| Hemingford | 744 | $64,356 | $86,400 | Compare |
| Cedar Bluffs | 760 | $82,031 | $148,200 | Compare |
| McCool Junction | 740 | $115,833 | $138,500 | Compare |
| Curtis | 761 | $52,500 | $144,400 | Compare |
| Boys Town | 763 | $72,000 | $0 | Compare |
| Elmwood | 765 | $81,250 | $176,600 | 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 Clay Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clay Center
What is the population of Clay Center, NE?
The population of Clay Center, NE is 750 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 Clay Center?
The median household income in Clay Center, NE is $75,833 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clay Center?
The median home value in Clay Center, NE is $148,300, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clay Center?
The median monthly rent in Clay Center, NE is $620, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clay Center?
The unemployment rate in Clay Center, NE is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clay Center, NE a good place to live?
Clay Center offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 750 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clay Center, NE?
20.6% of residents in Clay Center 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 Clay Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clay Center, NE: median home value is $148,300 (39% below national), median rent is $620/month, and median household income is $75,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clay Center?
The poverty rate in Clay Center, NE is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Clay Center, NE?
Clay Center's population is 3.9% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.