Norfolk, NE
Population 25,962 · Nebraska
About Norfolk, NE
Norfolk is a mid-sized city located in Nebraska with a population of 25,962 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,175 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Norfolk features a median home value of $199,100, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Norfolk in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,646 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (6,761 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (3,940 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norfolk shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Norfolk have an average one-way commute time of 12.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.0% of Norfolk 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 11.6% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Norfolk Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Norfolk, NE
Compared to national averages, Norfolk has a median household income of $62,175 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,100, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Norfolk's income is 6% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 58% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Norfolk, NE?
Norfolk offers affordable housing with a median home value of $199,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,175) that falls below the national average. However, Norfolk’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Norfolk has a population of 25,962 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Norfolk with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Norfolk
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings | 25,005 | $61,202 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Fremont | 27,321 | $67,179 | $194,400 | 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 |
| Kearney | 34,024 | $69,790 | $235,800 | Compare |
| La Vista | 16,594 | $78,145 | $244,900 | Compare |
| Scottsbluff | 14,406 | $53,448 | $141,300 | 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 Norfolk With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norfolk
What is the population of Norfolk, NE?
The population of Norfolk, NE is 25,962 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 Norfolk?
The median household income in Norfolk, NE is $62,175 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norfolk?
The median home value in Norfolk, NE is $199,100, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Norfolk?
The median monthly rent in Norfolk, NE is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norfolk?
The unemployment rate in Norfolk, NE is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Norfolk, NE a good place to live?
Norfolk offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 25,962 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Norfolk, NE?
24.0% of residents in Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norfolk, NE: median home value is $199,100 (19% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $62,175. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Norfolk?
The poverty rate in Norfolk, NE is 12.7%, 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 Norfolk, NE?
Norfolk's population is 11.6% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.