McCook, NE
Population 7,360 · Nebraska
About McCook, NE
McCook is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 7,360 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,815 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McCook features a median home value of $137,400, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes McCook one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $783, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,797 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (2,189 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (1,075 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McCook shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in McCook have an average one-way commute time of 9.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.8% of McCook 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 5.2% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How McCook Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in McCook, NE
Compared to national averages, McCook has a median household income of $51,815 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,400, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $783 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, McCook's income is 21% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 9% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in McCook, NE?
McCook offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $783/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 9.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,815) that falls below the national average. However, McCook’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McCook has a population of 7,360 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare McCook with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near McCook
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska City | 7,287 | $67,993 | $147,800 | Compare |
| Crete | 7,521 | $76,258 | $203,900 | Compare |
| Seward | 7,665 | $70,000 | $232,500 | Compare |
| Blair | 7,868 | $76,292 | $211,000 | Compare |
| Plattsmouth | 6,680 | $64,296 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Alliance | 8,089 | $65,599 | $156,300 | Compare |
| York | 8,114 | $62,632 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Schuyler | 6,517 | $78,380 | $129,600 | 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 McCook With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McCook
What is the population of McCook, NE?
The population of McCook, NE is 7,360 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 McCook?
The median household income in McCook, NE is $51,815 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McCook?
The median home value in McCook, NE is $137,400, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McCook?
The median monthly rent in McCook, NE is $783, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McCook?
The unemployment rate in McCook, NE is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is McCook, NE a good place to live?
McCook offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,360 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McCook, NE?
26.8% of residents in McCook 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 McCook?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McCook, NE: median home value is $137,400 (44% below national), median rent is $783/month, and median household income is $51,815. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McCook?
The poverty rate in McCook, NE is 16.4%, 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 McCook, NE?
McCook's population is 5.2% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.