Alma, Nebraska Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Alma, Nebraska had a total population of 1,154, the 109th largest city in Nebraska, with a median household income of $75,703, which is 1% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.2% — among the lowest in Nebraska.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%.
Alma Quick Facts
How Alma Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,176 | 1,154 | -1.9% |
| Median household income | $68,333 | $75,703 | +10.8% |
| Median home value | $158,200 | $163,800 | +3.5% |
How Alma Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 41 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Alma Rankings in Nebraska
Explore Nebraska Rankings
Other Cities in Harlan County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orleans | 337 | $62,250 | 15.1% | $64,400 |
| Stamford | 178 | $29,519 | 30.9% | $49,300 |
| Republican City | 92 | $45,625 | 16.3% | $187,500 |
| Huntley | 24 | $237,917 | 0.0% | $162,500 |
| Ragan | 12 | N/A | 16.7% | $70,000 |
Cities Similar to Alma
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elm Creek | 1,107 | $79,148 | $191,500 | 25.6% | 11.9% |
| North Bend | 1,152 | $85,882 | $172,800 | 24.7% | 8.6% |
| Sutherland | 1,209 | $72,857 | $188,200 | 17.7% | 9.8% |
| Friend | 1,155 | $90,909 | $173,800 | 26.9% | 6.1% |
| Eagle | 1,259 | $76,875 | $172,800 | 27.5% | 2.4% |
Population Overview
Alma is a small community located in Nebraska, within Harlan County. The total population is 1,154. It ranks as the 109th most populous out of 583 Census-designated places in Nebraska.
Age Demographics
The median age in Alma is 41.5 years. This is 12% higher than the state median of 37.2 years. 12.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Alma is $75,703. This is 1% lower than the state median of $76,475. It is also 6% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%. This is 61% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 1.3%. This is 58% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $163,800. Housing costs are 31% lower than the state median of $238,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Alma is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% higher than the state average of 66.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Alma has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.6%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 12.7%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 2.6%.
Education
29.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 34.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Alma, Nebraska is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Nebraska state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 583 Census-designated places in Nebraska. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Alma, Nebraska?
Alma, Nebraska has a population of 1,154 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Alma, NE?
The median household income in Alma is $75,703, which is 6% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Alma, NE?
The poverty rate in Alma is 4.2%. This means approximately 46 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Alma, Nebraska?
Alma's population is 95.2% White, 0.2% Black, 1.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Alma, NE?
The median home value in Alma is $163,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x.
How educated is Alma, Nebraska?
29.0% of adults (25+) in Alma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.