Seward, NE
Population 7,665 · Nebraska
About Seward, NE
Seward is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 7,665 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,000 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Seward features a median home value of $232,500, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Seward in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $986, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,916 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (1,604 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (1,094 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Seward shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Seward have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.2% of Seward 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 2.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Seward Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Seward, NE
Compared to national averages, Seward has a median household income of $70,000 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $232,500, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $986 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Seward's income is 6% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 85% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Seward, NE?
Seward offers affordable housing with a median home value of $232,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $986/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 37.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,000) that falls below the national average. However, Seward’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Seward has a population of 7,665 with a median age of 30.9 years. Compare Seward with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Seward
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crete | 7,521 | $76,258 | $203,900 | Compare |
| Blair | 7,868 | $76,292 | $211,000 | Compare |
| McCook | 7,360 | $51,815 | $137,400 | Compare |
| Nebraska City | 7,287 | $67,993 | $147,800 | Compare |
| Alliance | 8,089 | $65,599 | $156,300 | Compare |
| York | 8,114 | $62,632 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Gering | 8,567 | $70,244 | $170,700 | Compare |
| Plattsmouth | 6,680 | $64,296 | $171,900 | 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 Seward With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Seward
What is the population of Seward, NE?
The population of Seward, NE is 7,665 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 Seward?
The median household income in Seward, NE is $70,000 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Seward?
The median home value in Seward, NE is $232,500, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Seward?
The median monthly rent in Seward, NE is $986, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Seward?
The unemployment rate in Seward, NE is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Seward, NE a good place to live?
Seward offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,665 and a median age of 30.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Seward, NE?
37.2% of residents in Seward aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Seward?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Seward, NE: median home value is $232,500 (5% below national), median rent is $986/month, and median household income is $70,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Seward?
The poverty rate in Seward, NE is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Seward, NE?
Seward's population is 2.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.