Benkelman, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
905
-4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,188/yr
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
483
-5.1% year-over-year change

Benkelman population

How many people live in Benkelman

Benkelman is home to 905 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Benkelman locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
905
-4.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
422
Female
53.4%
483
Value Percent YoY change
Male 422 46.6% -7.0%
Female 483 53.4% -1.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Benkelman is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.8% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
18.8%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
26.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 168 18.6% 2.4%
15 to 24 124 13.7% -5.3%
25 to 44 170 18.8% 1.2%
45 to 64 207 22.9% -8.8%
Over 65 236 26.1% -7.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Benkelman, 99.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 903 99.8% -4.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.2% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.6%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 847 93.6%
Black or African American 4 0.4%
Two or more races 47 5.2%
Other 7 0.8%

Households in Benkelman

A peek inside Benkelman households

Benkelman has 391 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.9% are families, while the remaining 50.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
391
-7.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
196
Family households
195
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 196 50.1% -4.4%
Family households 195 49.9% -11.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Benkelman

The housing landscape of Benkelman

Benkelman's housing consists of 483 units, with 80.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
483
-5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 390 80.8%
1 unit, attached 2 0.4%
2 units 14 2.9%
3 or 4 units 48 9.9%
5 to 9 units 7 1.4%
10 to 19 units 4 0.8%
Mobile home 18 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Benkelman

In Benkelman, the median construction year is 1945. About 46% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 222 46% 4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 40 8.3% -9.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 43 8.9% -29.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 61 12.6% -18.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 73 15.1% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15 3.1% 87.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 21 4.4% 50.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8 1.7% -57.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Benkelman occupancy rates

Out of the 391 occupied housing units in Benkelman, 72.9% are owner-occupied, while 27.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
391
-7.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
106
Owner occupied
285
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 106 27.1% 0.0%
Owner occupied 285 72.9% -10.4%
Unoccupied housing units
19.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Benkelman housing costs

Housing costs in Benkelman come to a median of $630 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $700.

Median housing costs per month
$630/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Benkelman
$700/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Benkelman

Benkelman education at a glance

About 31.8% of the population in Benkelman went to high school, while 29.8% pursued college studies. Another 17.8% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5 0.7% -37.5%
High school diploma 222 31.8% -9.8%
College diploma 208 29.8% -5.0%
Associate degree 124 17.8% 10.7%
Bachelor's degree 58 8.3% -18.3%
Graduate degree 80 11.5% -9.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Benkelman

How much people earn in Benkelman

The average annual household income in Benkelman was $64,105 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,188, reflecting a -0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Benkelman
$64,105/year
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Benkelman
$42,188/year
-0.7% year-over-year change

Benkelman income by age

In Benkelman, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,321. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,000 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,639, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,417 in earnings. Overall, 80.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,639 N/A
25 - 44 $52,321 2.5%
45 - 64 $66,000 22.8%
Over 65 $35,417 -14.5%
Above poverty level
696
Below poverty level
167
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 696 80.6% -7.0%
Below poverty level 167 19.4% 5.7%

Average renter income in Benkelman

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Benkelman, their median household income was $21,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$21,750
Rent-to-income ratio
38.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Benkelman

Workforce and job types in Benkelman

The job market in Benkelman is powered by 443 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.4% run their own businesses, 37.7% are employed by private companies, and 24.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
443
-4.1% year-over-year change
White collar
370
Blue collar
73
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 370 83.5% -0.3%
Blue collar 73 16.5% -19.8%
Employer type
Self employees
17.4%
Private companies
37.7%
Governmental workers
24.2%
Not for profit companies
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 77 17.4% -2.5%
Private companies 167 37.7% -11.2%
Governmental workers 107 24.2% -13.0%
Not for profit companies 92 20.8% 27.8%

Transportation in Benkelman

How people get around in Benkelman

Commuting methods vary: 84.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 356 84.2% 0.6%
Bicycle 3 0.7% N/A
Walk 31 7.3% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Benkelman by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
69021 1,224 518 $54,375 $79,343

Explore more communities

FAQs about Benkelman demographics 

What is the total population of Benkelman?

Benkelman has a total population of 905 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -4.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Benkelman?

The gender ratio in Benkelman is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (422 residents)
  • 53.4% females (483 residents)

What is the median age in Benkelman?

The median age in Benkelman is 44.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Benkelman?

The age distribution in Benkelman is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (168 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (124 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.8% (170 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (207 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.1% (236 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Benkelman?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Benkelman is as follows:
  • White: 93.6% (847 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (4 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (47 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (7 residents)

What percentage of the population in Benkelman are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Benkelman.

How many housing units are there in Benkelman?

There are 483 housing units in Benkelman, reflecting a -5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Benkelman and what is the average household size?

Benkelman has a total of 391 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Benkelman?

Benkelman has a median household income of $42,188, representing a -0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Benkelman?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.5% (370 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.5% (73 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.4% (77 residents)
  • Private companies: 37.7% (167 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.2% (107 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 20.8% (92 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025