Friend, NE
Population 1,085 · Nebraska
About Friend, NE
Friend is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 1,085 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,861 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Friend features a median home value of $171,200, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Friend in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $808, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 491 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (354 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (79 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Friend shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Friend have an average one-way commute time of 42.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
27.7% of Friend 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 9.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Friend With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Friend
What is the population of Friend, NE?
The population of Friend, NE is 1,085 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 Friend?
The median household income in Friend, NE is $84,861 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Friend?
The median home value in Friend, NE is $171,200, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Friend?
The median monthly rent in Friend, NE is $808, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Friend?
The unemployment rate in Friend, NE is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Friend, NE a good place to live?
Friend offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,085 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Friend, NE?
27.7% of residents in Friend 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 Friend?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Friend, NE: median home value is $171,200 (30% below national), median rent is $808/month, and median household income is $84,861. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Friend?
The poverty rate in Friend, NE is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Friend, NE?
Friend's population is 9.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.