Scottsbluff, NE
Population 14,406 · Nebraska
About Scottsbluff, NE
Scottsbluff is a mid-sized city located in Nebraska with a population of 14,406 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,448 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Scottsbluff features a median home value of $141,300, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Scottsbluff one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $966, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,658 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (3,443 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (2,736 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Scottsbluff shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Scottsbluff have an average one-way commute time of 10.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.2% of Scottsbluff 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 25.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Scottsbluff Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Scottsbluff, NE
Compared to national averages, Scottsbluff has a median household income of $53,448 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,300, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $966 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Scottsbluff's income is 19% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 12% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Scottsbluff, NE?
Scottsbluff offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $966/month, and short commute times averaging just 10.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,448) that falls below the national average. However, Scottsbluff’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Scottsbluff has a population of 14,406 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Scottsbluff with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Scottsbluff
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Sioux City | 13,871 | $68,397 | $160,900 | Compare |
| Beatrice | 12,233 | $54,583 | $152,900 | Compare |
| La Vista | 16,594 | $78,145 | $244,900 | Compare |
| Lexington | 10,693 | $62,364 | $155,200 | Compare |
| Chalco | 10,625 | $81,427 | $224,400 | Compare |
| Gretna | 9,117 | $118,765 | $326,000 | Compare |
| Gering | 8,567 | $70,244 | $170,700 | Compare |
| York | 8,114 | $62,632 | $170,900 | 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 Scottsbluff With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Scottsbluff
What is the population of Scottsbluff, NE?
The population of Scottsbluff, NE is 14,406 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Scottsbluff?
The median household income in Scottsbluff, NE is $53,448 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Scottsbluff?
The median home value in Scottsbluff, NE is $141,300, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Scottsbluff?
The median monthly rent in Scottsbluff, NE is $966, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Scottsbluff?
The unemployment rate in Scottsbluff, NE is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Scottsbluff, NE a good place to live?
Scottsbluff offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,406 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Scottsbluff, NE?
27.2% of residents in Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Scottsbluff, NE: median home value is $141,300 (42% below national), median rent is $966/month, and median household income is $53,448. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Scottsbluff?
The poverty rate in Scottsbluff, NE is 17.1%, 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 Scottsbluff, NE?
Scottsbluff's population is 25.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.