Ponca, NE
Population 707 · Nebraska
About Ponca, NE
Ponca is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 707 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,077 per year, which is 29% 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 Ponca features a median home value of $173,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ponca in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $575, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 380 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (252 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (100 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ponca shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ponca have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.8% of Ponca 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 0.1% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ponca Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Ponca, NE
Compared to national averages, Ponca has a median household income of $53,077 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,800, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $575 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Ponca's income is 19% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 38% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Ponca, NE?
Ponca offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $575/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,077) that falls below the national average. However, Ponca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ponca has a population of 707 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Ponca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
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Demographics
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ponca
What is the population of Ponca, NE?
The population of Ponca, NE is 707 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 Ponca?
The median household income in Ponca, NE is $53,077 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ponca?
The median home value in Ponca, NE is $173,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ponca?
The median monthly rent in Ponca, NE is $575, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ponca?
The unemployment rate in Ponca, NE is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ponca, NE a good place to live?
Ponca offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 707 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ponca, NE?
24.8% of residents in Ponca 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 Ponca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ponca, NE: median home value is $173,800 (29% below national), median rent is $575/month, and median household income is $53,077. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ponca?
The poverty rate in Ponca, NE is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ponca, NE?
Ponca's population is 0.1% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.