Grand Island, NE
Population 52,761 · Nebraska
About Grand Island, NE
Grand Island is a mid-sized city located in Nebraska with a population of 52,761 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,439 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grand Island features a median home value of $202,600, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Grand Island in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $913, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,366 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (12,276 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (8,344 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grand Island shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grand Island have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.7% of Grand Island 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 19.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 13.1% Asian residents, with 18.6% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Grand Island With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Grand Island?
The median household income in Grand Island, NE is $62,439 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grand Island?
The median home value in Grand Island, NE is $202,600, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grand Island?
The median monthly rent in Grand Island, NE is $913, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand Island?
The unemployment rate in Grand Island, NE is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Grand Island, NE a good place to live?
Grand Island offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 52,761 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Grand Island, NE?
20.7% of residents in Grand Island 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 Grand Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grand Island, NE: median home value is $202,600 (17% below national), median rent is $913/month, and median household income is $62,439. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grand Island?
The poverty rate in Grand Island, NE is 12.5%, 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 Grand Island, NE?
Grand Island's population is 19.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 13.1% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 18.6% of residents are foreign-born.