Grand Island, NE
Population 52,761 · Nebraska
About Grand Island, NE
Grand Island is a mid-sized city in Nebraska with a population of 52,761 residents. The median household income is $62,439 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Grand Island is 34.5 years.
Housing in Grand Island has a median home value of $202,600 and median monthly rent of $913. Of the 21,366 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 12,276 owner-occupied and 8,344 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Grand Island is 3.6% and the poverty rate is 12.5%. 20.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.1 minutes.
How Grand Island Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Grand Island, NE
Compared to national averages, Grand Island has a median household income of $62,439 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $202,600, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $913 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Grand Island's income is 5% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 61% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Grand Island, NE?
Grand Island offers affordable housing with a median home value of $202,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $913/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,439) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Grand Island provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Grand Island has a population of 52,761 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Grand Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Grand Island
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | 64,355 | $87,343 | $230,800 | Compare |
| Kearney | 34,024 | $69,790 | $235,800 | Compare |
| Fremont | 27,321 | $67,179 | $194,400 | Compare |
| Norfolk | 25,962 | $62,175 | $199,100 | Compare |
| Hastings | 25,005 | $61,202 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Columbus | 24,188 | $67,212 | $198,900 | Compare |
| Papillion | 24,063 | $109,602 | $290,900 | Compare |
| North Platte | 23,030 | $57,805 | $159,500 | 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 Grand Island
What is the population of Grand Island, NE?
The population of Grand Island, NE is 52,761 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Grand Island?
The median household income in Grand Island, NE is $62,439 per year.
What is the median home value in Grand Island?
The median home value in Grand Island, NE is $202,600.
What is the average rent in Grand Island?
The median monthly rent in Grand Island, NE is $913.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand Island?
The unemployment rate in Grand Island, NE is 3.6%.