Imperial, NE
Population 2,182 · Nebraska
About Imperial, NE
Imperial is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 2,182 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,667 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Imperial features a median home value of $176,700, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Imperial in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,046, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,037 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (643 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (139 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Imperial shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Imperial have an average one-way commute time of 12.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.6% of Imperial 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 22.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Imperial, NE
Compared to national averages, Imperial has a median household income of $71,667 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $176,700, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,046 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Imperial's income is 9% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 40% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Imperial, NE?
Imperial offers affordable housing with a median home value of $176,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,046/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,667) that falls below the national average. However, Imperial’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Imperial has a population of 2,182 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Imperial with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Imperial
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ord | 2,186 | $53,274 | $109,500 | Compare |
| Wilber | 2,178 | $80,227 | $154,700 | Compare |
| Beaver Lake | 2,198 | $136,364 | $384,500 | Compare |
| Kimball | 2,153 | $57,153 | $105,700 | Compare |
| Geneva | 2,214 | $79,750 | $156,900 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,074 | $56,932 | $116,000 | Compare |
| Pierce | 1,986 | $64,167 | $157,600 | Compare |
| Syracuse | 1,964 | $70,625 | $190,000 | 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 Imperial With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Imperial
What is the population of Imperial, NE?
The population of Imperial, NE is 2,182 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 Imperial?
The median household income in Imperial, NE is $71,667 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Imperial?
The median home value in Imperial, NE is $176,700, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Imperial?
The median monthly rent in Imperial, NE is $1,046, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Imperial?
The unemployment rate in Imperial, NE is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Imperial, NE a good place to live?
Imperial offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,182 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Imperial, NE?
26.6% of residents in Imperial 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 Imperial?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Imperial, NE: median home value is $176,700 (28% below national), median rent is $1,046/month, and median household income is $71,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Imperial?
The poverty rate in Imperial, NE is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Imperial, NE?
Imperial's population is 22.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.