Melbeta, NE
Population 149 · Nebraska
About Melbeta, NE
Melbeta is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 149 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,083 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Melbeta features a median home value of $70,000, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Melbeta one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $738, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 68 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (54 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (12 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melbeta shows an unemployment rate of 10.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Melbeta have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
6.0% of Melbeta 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 12.8% White, 8.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Melbeta, NE
Compared to national averages, Melbeta has a median household income of $47,083 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $70,000, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $738 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Melbeta's income is 29% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 44% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Melbeta, NE?
Melbeta offers affordable housing with a median home value of $70,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $738/month, and short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,083) that falls below the national average. However, Melbeta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Melbeta has a population of 149 with a median age of 49.4 years. Compare Melbeta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Melbeta
What is the population of Melbeta, NE?
The population of Melbeta, NE is 149 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Melbeta?
The median household income in Melbeta, NE is $47,083 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melbeta?
The median home value in Melbeta, NE is $70,000, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Melbeta?
The median monthly rent in Melbeta, NE is $738, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melbeta?
The unemployment rate in Melbeta, NE is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Melbeta, NE a good place to live?
Melbeta offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 149 and a median age of 49.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Melbeta, NE?
6.0% of residents in Melbeta 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 Melbeta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Melbeta, NE: median home value is $70,000 (71% below national), median rent is $738/month, and median household income is $47,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Melbeta?
The poverty rate in Melbeta, NE is 15.4%, 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 Melbeta, NE?
Melbeta's population is 12.8% White, 8.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.