Wauneta, NE
Population 515 · Nebraska
About Wauneta, NE
Wauneta is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 515 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,518 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.7 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 Wauneta features a median home value of $86,300, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wauneta one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $642, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 275 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (161 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (74 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wauneta shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wauneta have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Wauneta 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 1.4% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wauneta, NE
Compared to national averages, Wauneta has a median household income of $46,518 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,300, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $642 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Wauneta's income is 29% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 31% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Wauneta, NE?
Wauneta offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $642/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,518) that falls below the national average. However, Wauneta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wauneta has a population of 515 with a median age of 55.7 years. Compare Wauneta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wauneta
What is the population of Wauneta, NE?
The population of Wauneta, NE is 515 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Wauneta?
The median household income in Wauneta, NE is $46,518 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wauneta?
The median home value in Wauneta, NE is $86,300, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wauneta?
The median monthly rent in Wauneta, NE is $642, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wauneta?
The unemployment rate in Wauneta, NE is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wauneta, NE a good place to live?
Wauneta offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 515 and a median age of 55.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wauneta, NE?
19.0% of residents in Wauneta 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 Wauneta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wauneta, NE: median home value is $86,300 (65% below national), median rent is $642/month, and median household income is $46,518. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wauneta?
The poverty rate in Wauneta, NE is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wauneta, NE?
Wauneta's population is 1.4% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.