Sidney, NE
Population 6,396 · Nebraska
About Sidney, NE
Sidney is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 6,396 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,704 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sidney features a median home value of $137,300, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sidney one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $914, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,180 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (1,724 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (1,270 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sidney shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sidney have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.3% of Sidney 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 8.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sidney Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Sidney, NE
Compared to national averages, Sidney has a median household income of $51,704 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,300, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $914 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Sidney's income is 22% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 9% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Sidney, NE?
Sidney offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $914/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,704) that falls below the national average. However, Sidney’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sidney has a population of 6,396 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Sidney with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Sidney
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ralston | 6,445 | $65,557 | $215,800 | 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 |
| Holdrege | 5,503 | $55,263 | $166,600 | Compare |
| McCook | 7,360 | $51,815 | $137,400 | 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 Sidney With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sidney
What is the population of Sidney, NE?
The population of Sidney, NE is 6,396 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 Sidney?
The median household income in Sidney, NE is $51,704 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sidney?
The median home value in Sidney, NE is $137,300, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sidney?
The median monthly rent in Sidney, NE is $914, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sidney?
The unemployment rate in Sidney, NE is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sidney, NE a good place to live?
Sidney offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,396 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sidney, NE?
19.3% of residents in Sidney 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 Sidney?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sidney, NE: median home value is $137,300 (44% below national), median rent is $914/month, and median household income is $51,704. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sidney?
The poverty rate in Sidney, NE is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sidney, NE?
Sidney's population is 8.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.