Ralston, NE
Population 6,445 · Nebraska
About Ralston, NE
Ralston is a small community in Nebraska with a population of 6,445 residents. The median household income is $65,557 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Ralston is 36.8 years.
Housing in Ralston has a median home value of $215,800 and median monthly rent of $1,178. Of the 3,078 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,710 owner-occupied and 1,223 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Ralston is 2.2% and the poverty rate is 7.6%. 27.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.4 minutes.
How Ralston Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Ralston, NE
Compared to national averages, Ralston has a median household income of $65,557 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $215,800, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,178 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Ralston's income is 1% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 72% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Ralston, NE?
Ralston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $215,800, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,557) that falls below the national average. However, Ralston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ralston has a population of 6,445 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Ralston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Ralston
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney | 6,396 | $51,704 | $137,300 | Compare |
| Schuyler | 6,517 | $78,380 | $129,600 | Compare |
| Plattsmouth | 6,680 | $64,296 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Wayne | 6,055 | $52,804 | $198,600 | Compare |
| Offutt AFB | 5,663 | $67,803 | $0 | Compare |
| Nebraska City | 7,287 | $67,993 | $147,800 | Compare |
| McCook | 7,360 | $51,815 | $137,400 | Compare |
| Holdrege | 5,503 | $55,263 | $166,600 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ralston
What is the population of Ralston, NE?
The population of Ralston, NE is 6,445 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Ralston?
The median household income in Ralston, NE is $65,557 per year.
What is the median home value in Ralston?
The median home value in Ralston, NE is $215,800.
What is the average rent in Ralston?
The median monthly rent in Ralston, NE is $1,178.
What is the unemployment rate in Ralston?
The unemployment rate in Ralston, NE is 2.2%.