Fairbury city, Nebraska Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Fairbury city, Nebraska has a total population of 3,905, the 41st largest city in Nebraska, with a median household income of $51,782, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%.
Fairbury city Quick Facts
How Fairbury city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 40 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fairbury city Rankings in Nebraska
Explore Nebraska Rankings
Cities Similar to Fairbury city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cozad city | 3,944 | $50,161 | $118,600 | 14.8% | 15.2% |
| Falls City city | 4,099 | $45,750 | $91,900 | 24.4% | 12.5% |
| Broken Bow city | 3,524 | $56,438 | $124,600 | 20.4% | 14.6% |
| Auburn city | 3,468 | $58,674 | $98,900 | 24.7% | 14.2% |
| O'Neill city | 3,574 | $66,458 | $130,900 | 20.3% | 14.9% |
Population Overview
Fairbury city is a small community located in Nebraska, within Jefferson County. The total population is 3,905. It ranks as the 41st most populous out of 584 cities and towns in Nebraska.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fairbury city is 42.7 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 37.1 years. 11.3% 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 Fairbury city is $51,782. This is 31% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%. This is 47% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 1.2%. This is 61% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $90,800. Housing costs are 59% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x, Fairbury city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 63.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% lower than the state average of 66.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Fairbury city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.7%. The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.
Education
17.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 50% lower than the state rate of 34.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fairbury city, Nebraska is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Nebraska state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 584 Census-designated places in Nebraska. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fairbury city, Nebraska?
Fairbury city, Nebraska has a population of 3,905 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fairbury city, NE?
The median household income in Fairbury city is $51,782, which is 34% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Fairbury city, NE?
The poverty rate in Fairbury city is 15.1%. This means approximately 571 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fairbury city, Nebraska?
Fairbury city's population is 87.3% White, 1.1% Black, 8.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fairbury city, NE?
The median home value in Fairbury city is $90,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x.
How educated is Fairbury city, Nebraska?
17.1% of adults (25+) in Fairbury city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.