Fairbury, NE
Population 3,905 · Nebraska
About Fairbury, NE
Fairbury is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 3,905 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,782 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 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 Fairbury features a median home value of $90,800, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fairbury one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $666, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,050 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (1,079 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (625 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fairbury shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fairbury have an average one-way commute time of 16 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of Fairbury 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, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fairbury Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Fairbury, NE
Compared to national averages, Fairbury has a median household income of $51,782 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,800, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $666 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Fairbury's income is 21% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 28% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Fairbury, NE?
Fairbury offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $666/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,782) that falls below the national average. However, Fairbury’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairbury has a population of 3,905 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Fairbury with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Fairbury
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cozad | 3,944 | $50,161 | $118,600 | Compare |
| Falls City | 4,099 | $45,750 | $91,900 | Compare |
| O'Neill | 3,574 | $66,458 | $130,900 | 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 |
| Waverly | 4,363 | $110,000 | $290,000 | 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 Fairbury With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairbury
What is the population of Fairbury, NE?
The population of Fairbury, NE is 3,905 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 Fairbury?
The median household income in Fairbury, NE is $51,782 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairbury?
The median home value in Fairbury, NE is $90,800, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fairbury?
The median monthly rent in Fairbury, NE is $666, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairbury?
The unemployment rate in Fairbury, NE is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fairbury, NE a good place to live?
Fairbury offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,905 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fairbury, NE?
17.1% of residents in Fairbury 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 Fairbury?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairbury, NE: median home value is $90,800 (63% below national), median rent is $666/month, and median household income is $51,782. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairbury?
The poverty rate in Fairbury, NE is 15.1%, 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 Fairbury, NE?
Fairbury's population is 5.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.