Cozad, NE
Population 3,944 · Nebraska
About Cozad, NE
Cozad is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 3,944 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,161 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cozad features a median home value of $118,600, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cozad one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $820, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,937 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,133 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (617 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cozad shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cozad have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.8% of Cozad 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 3.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 7.6% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cozad Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Cozad, NE
Compared to national averages, Cozad has a median household income of $50,161 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,600, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $820 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Cozad's income is 24% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 6% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Cozad, NE?
Cozad offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $820/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,161) that falls below the national average. However, Cozad’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cozad has a population of 3,944 with a median age of 43.7 years. Compare Cozad with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Cozad
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbury | 3,905 | $51,782 | $90,800 | Compare |
| Falls City | 4,099 | $45,750 | $91,900 | Compare |
| O'Neill | 3,574 | $66,458 | $130,900 | Compare |
| Waverly | 4,363 | $110,000 | $290,000 | Compare |
| Broken Bow | 3,524 | $56,438 | $124,600 | Compare |
| West Point | 3,479 | $63,977 | $209,200 | Compare |
| Auburn | 3,468 | $58,674 | $98,900 | 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 Cozad With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cozad
What is the population of Cozad, NE?
The population of Cozad, NE is 3,944 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 Cozad?
The median household income in Cozad, NE is $50,161 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cozad?
The median home value in Cozad, NE is $118,600, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cozad?
The median monthly rent in Cozad, NE is $820, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cozad?
The unemployment rate in Cozad, NE is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cozad, NE a good place to live?
Cozad offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,944 and a median age of 43.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cozad, NE?
14.8% of residents in Cozad 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 Cozad?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cozad, NE: median home value is $118,600 (52% below national), median rent is $820/month, and median household income is $50,161. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cozad?
The poverty rate in Cozad, NE is 15.2%, 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 Cozad, NE?
Cozad's population is 3.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 7.6% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.