Wakefield, NE
Population 1,288 · Nebraska
About Wakefield, NE
Wakefield is a small town located in Nebraska with a population of 1,288 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,500 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wakefield features a median home value of $110,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wakefield one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $808, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 455 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (283 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (161 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wakefield shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wakefield have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.4% of Wakefield 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 41.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 15.0% Asian residents, with 27.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wakefield, NE
Compared to national averages, Wakefield has a median household income of $57,500 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,300, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $808 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Wakefield's income is 13% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 12% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Wakefield, NE?
Wakefield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $808/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,500) that falls below the national average. However, Wakefield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wakefield has a population of 1,288 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Wakefield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Wakefield
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wymore | 1,287 | $56,051 | $57,600 | Compare |
| Pender | 1,262 | $67,419 | $165,900 | Compare |
| Fort Calhoun | 1,246 | $96,071 | $271,600 | Compare |
| Weeping Water | 1,244 | $67,083 | $191,600 | Compare |
| Plainview | 1,241 | $56,100 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Sutton | 1,349 | $80,714 | $151,300 | Compare |
| North Bend | 1,225 | $84,345 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Ravenna | 1,352 | $64,844 | $129,600 | 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 Wakefield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wakefield
What is the population of Wakefield, NE?
The population of Wakefield, NE is 1,288 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 Wakefield?
The median household income in Wakefield, NE is $57,500 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wakefield?
The median home value in Wakefield, NE is $110,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wakefield?
The median monthly rent in Wakefield, NE is $808, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wakefield?
The unemployment rate in Wakefield, NE is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wakefield, NE a good place to live?
Wakefield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,288 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wakefield, NE?
18.4% of residents in Wakefield 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 Wakefield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wakefield, NE: median home value is $110,300 (55% below national), median rent is $808/month, and median household income is $57,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wakefield?
The poverty rate in Wakefield, NE is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wakefield, NE?
Wakefield's population is 41.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 15.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 27.5% of residents are foreign-born.