Valley, NE
Population 3,113 · Nebraska
About Valley, NE
Valley is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 3,113 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,750 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.1 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 Valley features a median home value of $515,100, which is 110% above the national median of $244,900. This places Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,053, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,603 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (998 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (339 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valley shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Valley have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.1% of Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Valley Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Valley, NE
Compared to national averages, Valley has a median household income of $106,750 (42% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $515,100, which is 110% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,053 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Valley's income is 62% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 309% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Valley, NE?
Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,750, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,053/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 50.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $515,100. However, Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Valley has a population of 3,113 with a median age of 47.1 years. Compare Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Valley
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | 3,083 | $80,948 | $229,100 | Compare |
| Central City | 3,039 | $62,012 | $158,300 | Compare |
| Minden | 3,020 | $64,846 | $188,100 | Compare |
| David City | 3,013 | $66,585 | $158,800 | Compare |
| Dakota City | 2,980 | $80,433 | $170,200 | Compare |
| Hickman | 2,834 | $104,219 | $294,200 | Compare |
| Gothenburg | 3,436 | $79,519 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Auburn | 3,468 | $58,674 | $98,900 | 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 Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valley
What is the population of Valley, NE?
The population of Valley, NE is 3,113 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 Valley?
The median household income in Valley, NE is $106,750 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valley?
The median home value in Valley, NE is $515,100, which is 110% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valley?
The median monthly rent in Valley, NE is $1,053, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valley?
The unemployment rate in Valley, NE is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Valley, NE a good place to live?
Valley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,113 and a median age of 47.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Valley, NE?
50.1% of residents in Valley 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 Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valley, NE: median home value is $515,100 (110% above national), median rent is $1,053/month, and median household income is $106,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Valley?
The poverty rate in Valley, NE is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Valley, NE?
Valley's population is 2.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.