Red Cloud, NE
Population 991 · Nebraska
About Red Cloud, NE
Red Cloud is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 991 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,536 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.8 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 Red Cloud features a median home value of $64,800, which is 74% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Red Cloud one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $549, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 540 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (315 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (124 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Red Cloud shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Red Cloud have an average one-way commute time of 13.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.4% of Red Cloud 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 2.6% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Red Cloud Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Red Cloud, NE
Compared to national averages, Red Cloud has a median household income of $50,536 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $64,800, which is 74% below the national median. Monthly rent at $549 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Red Cloud's income is 23% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 48% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Red Cloud, NE?
Red Cloud offers affordable housing with a median home value of $64,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $549/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,536) that falls below the national average. However, Red Cloud’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Red Cloud has a population of 991 with a median age of 45.8 years. Compare Red Cloud with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Red Cloud
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loup City | 988 | $50,625 | $101,500 | Compare |
| Harvard | 1,001 | $67,813 | $98,400 | Compare |
| Tilden | 977 | $66,731 | $116,900 | Compare |
| Stromsburg | 1,007 | $61,182 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Arapahoe | 1,010 | $63,173 | $95,000 | Compare |
| Burwell | 1,020 | $64,821 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Crawford | 957 | $58,438 | $75,600 | 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 Red Cloud With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Cloud
What is the population of Red Cloud, NE?
The population of Red Cloud, NE is 991 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 Red Cloud?
The median household income in Red Cloud, NE is $50,536 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Red Cloud?
The median home value in Red Cloud, NE is $64,800, which is 74% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Red Cloud?
The median monthly rent in Red Cloud, NE is $549, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Red Cloud?
The unemployment rate in Red Cloud, NE is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Red Cloud, NE a good place to live?
Red Cloud offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 991 and a median age of 45.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Red Cloud, NE?
15.4% of residents in Red Cloud 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 Red Cloud?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Red Cloud, NE: median home value is $64,800 (74% below national), median rent is $549/month, and median household income is $50,536. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Red Cloud?
The poverty rate in Red Cloud, NE is 12.8%, 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 Red Cloud, NE?
Red Cloud's population is 2.6% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.