O'Neill, NE
Population 3,574 · Nebraska
About O'Neill, NE
O'Neill is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 3,574 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,458 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 O'Neill features a median home value of $130,900, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes O'Neill one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $712, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,688 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,023 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (516 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in O'Neill shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in O'Neill have an average one-way commute time of 11.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of O'Neill 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 8.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How O'Neill Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in O'Neill, NE
Compared to national averages, O'Neill has a median household income of $66,458 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,900, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $712 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, O'Neill's income is 1% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 4% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in O'Neill, NE?
O'Neill offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $712/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,458) that falls below the national average. However, O'Neill’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
O'Neill has a population of 3,574 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare O'Neill with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near O'Neill
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Bow | 3,524 | $56,438 | $124,600 | Compare |
| West Point | 3,479 | $63,977 | $209,200 | Compare |
| Auburn | 3,468 | $58,674 | $98,900 | Compare |
| Gothenburg | 3,436 | $79,519 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Fairbury | 3,905 | $51,782 | $90,800 | Compare |
| Cozad | 3,944 | $50,161 | $118,600 | Compare |
| Valley | 3,113 | $106,750 | $515,100 | Compare |
| Ashland | 3,083 | $80,948 | $229,100 | 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 O'Neill With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about O'Neill
What is the population of O'Neill, NE?
The population of O'Neill, NE is 3,574 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 O'Neill?
The median household income in O'Neill, NE is $66,458 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in O'Neill?
The median home value in O'Neill, NE is $130,900, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in O'Neill?
The median monthly rent in O'Neill, NE is $712, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in O'Neill?
The unemployment rate in O'Neill, NE is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is O'Neill, NE a good place to live?
O'Neill offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,574 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is O'Neill, NE?
20.3% of residents in O'Neill 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 O'Neill?
Key cost-of-living indicators for O'Neill, NE: median home value is $130,900 (47% below national), median rent is $712/month, and median household income is $66,458. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in O'Neill?
The poverty rate in O'Neill, NE is 14.9%, 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 O'Neill, NE?
O'Neill's population is 8.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.