Ogallala, NE
Population 4,800 · Nebraska
About Ogallala, NE
Ogallala is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 4,800 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,481 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.8 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 Ogallala features a median home value of $135,500, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ogallala 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 2,539 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (1,498 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (831 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ogallala shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ogallala have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of Ogallala 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 10.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ogallala Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Ogallala, NE
Compared to national averages, Ogallala has a median household income of $55,481 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $135,500, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $738 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Ogallala's income is 16% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 8% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Ogallala, NE?
Ogallala offers affordable housing with a median home value of $135,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $738/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,481) that falls below the national average. However, Ogallala’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ogallala has a population of 4,800 with a median age of 46.8 years. Compare Ogallala with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Ogallala
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wahoo | 4,885 | $81,544 | $227,100 | Compare |
| Aurora | 4,665 | $71,051 | $221,700 | Compare |
| Chadron | 5,207 | $54,026 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Waverly | 4,363 | $110,000 | $290,000 | Compare |
| Falls City | 4,099 | $45,750 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Holdrege | 5,503 | $55,263 | $166,600 | Compare |
| Cozad | 3,944 | $50,161 | $118,600 | Compare |
| Offutt AFB | 5,663 | $67,803 | $0 | 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 Ogallala With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ogallala
What is the population of Ogallala, NE?
The population of Ogallala, NE is 4,800 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 Ogallala?
The median household income in Ogallala, NE is $55,481 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ogallala?
The median home value in Ogallala, NE is $135,500, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ogallala?
The median monthly rent in Ogallala, NE is $738, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ogallala?
The unemployment rate in Ogallala, NE is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ogallala, NE a good place to live?
Ogallala offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,800 and a median age of 46.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ogallala, NE?
23.9% of residents in Ogallala 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 Ogallala?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ogallala, NE: median home value is $135,500 (45% below national), median rent is $738/month, and median household income is $55,481. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ogallala?
The poverty rate in Ogallala, NE is 13.6%, 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 Ogallala, NE?
Ogallala's population is 10.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.