Valentine, NE
Population 2,632 · Nebraska
About Valentine, NE
Valentine is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 2,632 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,438 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Valentine features a median home value of $135,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Valentine one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $872, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,495 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (685 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (397 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valentine shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Valentine have an average one-way commute time of 10.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.5% of Valentine 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 2.9% White, 12.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Valentine, NE
Compared to national averages, Valentine has a median household income of $53,438 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $135,600, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $872 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Valentine's income is 19% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 8% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Valentine, NE?
Valentine offers affordable housing with a median home value of $135,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $872/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,438) that falls below the national average. However, Valentine’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Valentine has a population of 2,632 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Valentine with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Valentine
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milford | 2,656 | $80,997 | $225,200 | Compare |
| St. Paul | 2,574 | $58,493 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Hickman | 2,834 | $104,219 | $294,200 | Compare |
| Bennington | 2,417 | $98,375 | $337,600 | Compare |
| Dakota City | 2,980 | $80,433 | $170,200 | Compare |
| David City | 3,013 | $66,585 | $158,800 | Compare |
| Minden | 3,020 | $64,846 | $188,100 | Compare |
| Central City | 3,039 | $62,012 | $158,300 | 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 Valentine With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valentine
What is the population of Valentine, NE?
The population of Valentine, NE is 2,632 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 Valentine?
The median household income in Valentine, NE is $53,438 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valentine?
The median home value in Valentine, NE is $135,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valentine?
The median monthly rent in Valentine, NE is $872, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valentine?
The unemployment rate in Valentine, NE is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Valentine, NE a good place to live?
Valentine offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,632 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Valentine, NE?
23.5% of residents in Valentine 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 Valentine?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valentine, NE: median home value is $135,600 (45% below national), median rent is $872/month, and median household income is $53,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Valentine?
The poverty rate in Valentine, NE is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Valentine, NE?
Valentine's population is 2.9% White, 12.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.