Friend, NE
Population 1,085 · Nebraska
About Friend, NE
Friend is a small community in Nebraska with a population of 1,085 residents. The median household income is $84,861 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Friend is 37.4 years.
Housing in Friend has a median home value of $171,200 and median monthly rent of $808. Of the 491 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 354 owner-occupied and 79 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Friend is 0.9% and the poverty rate is 5.7%. 27.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 42.4 minutes.
How Friend Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Friend, NE
Compared to national averages, Friend has a median household income of $84,861 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $171,200, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $808 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Friend's income is 29% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 36% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Friend, NE?
Friend offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,861, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $171,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $808/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and a low poverty rate of 5.7%, better than the national average.
Friend has a population of 1,085 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Friend with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Friend
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle | 1,089 | $76,500 | $161,800 | Compare |
| Hooper | 1,078 | $75,800 | $168,100 | Compare |
| Utica | 1,092 | $81,797 | $179,700 | Compare |
| Cairo | 1,117 | $55,179 | $184,000 | Compare |
| Cambridge | 1,036 | $60,066 | $104,800 | Compare |
| Elm Creek | 1,146 | $75,625 | $197,100 | Compare |
| Burwell | 1,020 | $64,821 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Arapahoe | 1,010 | $63,173 | $95,000 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Friend
What is the population of Friend, NE?
The population of Friend, NE is 1,085 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Friend?
The median household income in Friend, NE is $84,861 per year.
What is the median home value in Friend?
The median home value in Friend, NE is $171,200.
What is the average rent in Friend?
The median monthly rent in Friend, NE is $808.
What is the unemployment rate in Friend?
The unemployment rate in Friend, NE is 0.9%.