Plainview, NE
Population 1,241 · Nebraska
About Plainview, NE
Plainview is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 1,241 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,100 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 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 Plainview features a median home value of $86,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Plainview one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $818, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 576 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (347 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (187 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Plainview shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Plainview have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.4% of Plainview 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 7.2% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Plainview, NE
Compared to national averages, Plainview has a median household income of $56,100 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,900, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $818 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Plainview's income is 15% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 31% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Plainview, NE?
Plainview offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $818/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,100) that falls below the national average. However, Plainview’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plainview has a population of 1,241 with a median age of 42 years. Compare Plainview with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Plainview
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeping Water | 1,244 | $67,083 | $191,600 | Compare |
| Fort Calhoun | 1,246 | $96,071 | $271,600 | Compare |
| North Bend | 1,225 | $84,345 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Sutherland | 1,224 | $73,750 | $176,500 | Compare |
| Pender | 1,262 | $67,419 | $165,900 | Compare |
| Creighton | 1,199 | $53,167 | $103,700 | Compare |
| Wymore | 1,287 | $56,051 | $57,600 | Compare |
| Wakefield | 1,288 | $57,500 | $110,300 | 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 Plainview With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Plainview
What is the population of Plainview, NE?
The population of Plainview, NE is 1,241 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 Plainview?
The median household income in Plainview, NE is $56,100 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plainview?
The median home value in Plainview, NE is $86,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Plainview?
The median monthly rent in Plainview, NE is $818, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plainview?
The unemployment rate in Plainview, NE is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Plainview, NE a good place to live?
Plainview offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,241 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Plainview, NE?
15.4% of residents in Plainview 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 Plainview?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plainview, NE: median home value is $86,900 (65% below national), median rent is $818/month, and median household income is $56,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Plainview?
The poverty rate in Plainview, NE is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Plainview, NE?
Plainview's population is 7.2% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.