Pawnee City, NE
Population 930 · Nebraska
About Pawnee City, NE
Pawnee City is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 930 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,611 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Pawnee City features a median home value of $57,000, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pawnee City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $617, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 489 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (310 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (76 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pawnee City shows an unemployment rate of 0.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pawnee City have an average one-way commute time of 9.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Pawnee City 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 4.1% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pawnee City Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Pawnee City, NE
Compared to national averages, Pawnee City has a median household income of $38,611 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $57,000, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $617 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Pawnee City's income is 41% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 55% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Pawnee City, NE?
Pawnee City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $57,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $617/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 9.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,611) that falls below the national average. However, Pawnee City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pawnee City has a population of 930 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Pawnee City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Pawnee City
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newman Grove | 934 | $57,000 | $82,500 | Compare |
| Crofton | 920 | $80,000 | $119,000 | Compare |
| Henderson | 918 | $76,538 | $142,700 | Compare |
| Benkelman | 946 | $42,500 | $84,800 | Compare |
| Laurel | 947 | $56,250 | $152,500 | Compare |
| Emerson | 912 | $58,125 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Doniphan | 910 | $77,250 | $203,400 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 950 | $75,417 | $218,400 | 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 Pawnee City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pawnee City
What is the population of Pawnee City, NE?
The population of Pawnee City, NE is 930 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 Pawnee City?
The median household income in Pawnee City, NE is $38,611 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pawnee City?
The median home value in Pawnee City, NE is $57,000, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pawnee City?
The median monthly rent in Pawnee City, NE is $617, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pawnee City?
The unemployment rate in Pawnee City, NE is 0.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pawnee City, NE a good place to live?
Pawnee City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 930 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pawnee City, NE?
21.5% of residents in Pawnee City 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 Pawnee City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pawnee City, NE: median home value is $57,000 (77% below national), median rent is $617/month, and median household income is $38,611. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pawnee City?
The poverty rate in Pawnee City, NE is 19.7%, 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 Pawnee City, NE?
Pawnee City's population is 4.1% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.