Ogallala, Nebraska Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ogallala, Nebraska had a total population of 4,777, the 36th largest city in Nebraska, with a median household income of $58,556, which is 23% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Ogallala Quick Facts
How Ogallala 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 | 4,800 | 4,777 | -0.5% |
| Median household income | $55,481 | $58,556 | +5.5% |
| Median home value | $135,500 | $155,800 | +15.0% |
How Ogallala 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+)
Ogallala Rankings in Nebraska
Explore Nebraska Rankings
Other Cities in Keith County
Cities Similar to Ogallala
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chadron | 5,160 | $54,590 | $153,800 | 43.6% | 13.2% |
| Aurora | 4,664 | $77,679 | $233,900 | 33.8% | 4.8% |
| Holdrege | 5,546 | $55,789 | $198,900 | 30.1% | 16.6% |
| Falls City | 4,077 | $51,706 | $89,800 | 28.2% | 11.4% |
| Cozad | 3,937 | $54,471 | $121,600 | 12.8% | 10.9% |
Population Overview
Ogallala is a small community located in Nebraska, within Keith County. The total population is 4,777. It ranks as the 36th most populous out of 583 Census-designated places in Nebraska.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ogallala is 47.1 years. This is 27% higher than the state median of 37.2 years. 12.7% 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 Ogallala is $58,556. This is 23% lower than the state median of $76,475. It is also 27% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 12.4%. This is 17% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.0%. The median home value is $155,800. Housing costs are 35% lower than the state median of $238,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Ogallala is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 68.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 66.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ogallala is White (non-Hispanic), making up 79.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.7%. The Black or African American population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 2.6%.
Education
25.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% 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 88.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ogallala, 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 Ogallala, Nebraska?
Ogallala, Nebraska has a population of 4,777 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ogallala, NE?
The median household income in Ogallala is $58,556, which is 27% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ogallala, NE?
The poverty rate in Ogallala is 12.4%. This means approximately 582 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ogallala, Nebraska?
Ogallala's population is 79.8% White, 1.7% Black, 12.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ogallala, NE?
The median home value in Ogallala is $155,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Ogallala, Nebraska?
25.3% of adults (25+) in Ogallala hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.