Gretna, NE
Population 9,117 · Nebraska
About Gretna, NE
Gretna is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 9,117 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $118,765 per year, which is 58% above 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 Gretna features a median home value of $326,000, which is 33% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Gretna in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,467, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,294 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (2,474 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (733 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gretna shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gretna have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.1% of Gretna residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gretna Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Gretna, NE
Compared to national averages, Gretna has a median household income of $118,765 (58% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $326,000, which is 33% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,467 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Gretna's income is 80% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 159% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Gretna, NE?
Gretna offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $118,765, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%, and a well-educated community where 53.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Gretna has a population of 9,117 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Gretna with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Gretna
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gering | 8,567 | $70,244 | $170,700 | Compare |
| York | 8,114 | $62,632 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Alliance | 8,089 | $65,599 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Blair | 7,868 | $76,292 | $211,000 | Compare |
| Seward | 7,665 | $70,000 | $232,500 | Compare |
| Chalco | 10,625 | $81,427 | $224,400 | Compare |
| Lexington | 10,693 | $62,364 | $155,200 | Compare |
| Crete | 7,521 | $76,258 | $203,900 | 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 Gretna With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gretna
What is the population of Gretna, NE?
The population of Gretna, NE is 9,117 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 Gretna?
The median household income in Gretna, NE is $118,765 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gretna?
The median home value in Gretna, NE is $326,000, which is 33% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gretna?
The median monthly rent in Gretna, NE is $1,467, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gretna?
The unemployment rate in Gretna, NE is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gretna, NE a good place to live?
Gretna offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,117 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Gretna, NE?
53.1% of residents in Gretna aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Gretna?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gretna, NE: median home value is $326,000 (33% above national), median rent is $1,467/month, and median household income is $118,765. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gretna?
The poverty rate in Gretna, NE is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gretna, NE?
Gretna's population is 3.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.