Ralston, Nebraska Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ralston, Nebraska had a total population of 6,472, the 29th largest city in Nebraska, with a median household income of $69,403, which is 9% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.0%.
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 4.0% — among the lowest in Nebraska.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%.
Ralston Quick Facts
How Ralston 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 | 6,445 | 6,472 | +0.4% |
| Median household income | $65,557 | $69,403 | +5.9% |
| Median home value | $215,800 | $230,800 | +7.0% |
How Ralston 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 41 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ralston Rankings in Nebraska
Explore Nebraska Rankings
Other Cities in Douglas County
Cities Similar to Ralston
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plattsmouth | 6,731 | $73,929 | $183,600 | 28.4% | 5.1% |
| Offutt AFB | 6,074 | $72,500 | N/A | 25.9% | 6.6% |
| Schuyler | 6,578 | $80,399 | $145,700 | 8.2% | 6.8% |
| Sidney | 6,419 | $54,734 | $139,400 | 19.5% | 16.2% |
| Nebraska City | 7,369 | $67,117 | $162,000 | 24.6% | 12.1% |
Population Overview
Ralston is a small city located in Nebraska, within Douglas County. The total population is 6,472. It ranks as the 29th most populous out of 583 Census-designated places in Nebraska.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ralston is 37.3 years. This is about the same as the state median of 37.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ralston is $69,403. This is 9% lower than the state median of $76,475. It is also 14% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.0%. This is 63% 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 2.2%. This is 26% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $230,800. Housing costs are 3% lower than the state median of $238,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 63.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% lower than the state average of 66.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ralston is White (non-Hispanic), making up 70.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 24.3%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (24.3% vs 12.7%). The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.6%.
Education
26.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 23% 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 89.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ralston, 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 Ralston, Nebraska?
Ralston, Nebraska has a population of 6,472 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ralston, NE?
The median household income in Ralston is $69,403, which is 14% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ralston, NE?
The poverty rate in Ralston is 4.0%. This means approximately 255 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ralston, Nebraska?
Ralston's population is 70.7% White, 0.9% Black, 24.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ralston, NE?
The median home value in Ralston is $230,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Ralston, Nebraska?
26.8% of adults (25+) in Ralston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.