Dorchester, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
550
-11.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,286/yr
24.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
240
-8.1% year-over-year change

Dorchester population

How many people live in Dorchester

Dorchester is home to 550 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of Dorchester locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
550
-11.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
254
Female
53.8%
296
Value Percent YoY change
Male 254 46.2% -15.6%
Female 296 53.8% -7.8%
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 Dorchester is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 14.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.9% of the population, while another 20.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
14.6%
25 to 44
22.9%
45 to 64
20.7%
Over 65
22.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 106 19.3% -26.9%
15 to 24 80 14.6% -11.1%
25 to 44 126 22.9% -21.2%
45 to 64 114 20.7% 21.3%
Over 65 124 22.6% -6.8%
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 Dorchester, 90.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 499 90.7% -12.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 3.3% -5.3%
Non-citizens 33 6% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
84.6%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.9%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 465 84.6%
Black or African American 5 0.9%
Asian 4 0.7%
Two or more races 71 12.9%
Other 5 0.9%

Households in Dorchester

A peek inside Dorchester households

Dorchester has 234 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.4% are families, while the remaining 28.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
234
-6.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
67
Family households
167
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 67 28.6% -5.6%
Family households 167 71.4% -6.2%
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 Dorchester

The housing landscape of Dorchester

Dorchester's housing consists of 240 units, with 90.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
240
-8.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 218 90.8%
2 units 2 0.8%
3 or 4 units 16 6.7%
Mobile home 4 1.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the median construction year is 1964. About 26.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.7% 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 64 26.7% -21.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 16 6.7% 77.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 23 9.6% -20.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 44 18.3% 2.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 37 15.4% -33.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 11 4.6% 22.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 40 16.7% 21.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5 2.1% N/A
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.

Dorchester occupancy rates

Out of the 234 occupied housing units in Dorchester, 74.4% are owner-occupied, while 25.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
234
-6.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
60
Owner occupied
174
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 60 25.6% 20.0%
Owner occupied 174 74.4% -12.6%
Unoccupied housing units
2.5%
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.

Dorchester housing costs

Housing costs in Dorchester come to a median of $793 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $638.

Median housing costs per month
$793/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 Dorchester
$638/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 Dorchester

Dorchester education at a glance

About 42.2% of the population in Dorchester went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 14.4% earned an associate degree and 16.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 2% -46.7%
High school diploma 170 42.2% -5.0%
College diploma 81 20.1% -26.4%
Associate degree 58 14.4% -1.7%
Bachelor's degree 67 16.6% 17.5%
Graduate degree 19 4.7% 11.8%
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 Dorchester

How much people earn in Dorchester

The average annual household income in Dorchester was $81,323 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,286, reflecting a +24.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dorchester
$81,323/year
8.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dorchester
$74,286/year
24.7% year-over-year change

Dorchester income by age

In Dorchester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,583. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,875 overall. Overall, 97.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $94,583 9.9%
45 - 64 $74,875 1.5%
Over 65 $45,900 5.4%
Above poverty level
521
Below poverty level
11
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 521 97.9% -11.8%
Below poverty level 11 2.1% 266.7%

Average renter income in Dorchester

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dorchester, their median household income was $41,154 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,154
Rent-to-income ratio
18.6%
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 Dorchester

Workforce and job types in Dorchester

The job market in Dorchester is powered by 275 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.4% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 13.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
275
-9.5% year-over-year change
White collar
185
Blue collar
90
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 185 67.3% -7.0%
Blue collar 90 32.7% -14.3%
Employer type
Self employees
4.4%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
13.1%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 12 4.4% -53.9%
Private companies 197 71.6% -6.6%
Governmental workers 36 13.1% -10.0%
Not for profit companies 30 10.9% 11.1%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dorchester stands at 2.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Dorchester

How people get around in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 224 86.2% -13.5%
Walk 13 5% -13.3%
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 Dorchester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
68343 1,008 427 $74,554 $88,607

Explore more communities

FAQs about Dorchester demographics 

What is the total population of Dorchester?

Dorchester has a total population of 550 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 -11.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dorchester?

The gender ratio in Dorchester is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (254 residents)
  • 53.8% females (296 residents)

What is the median age in Dorchester?

The median age in Dorchester is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dorchester?

The age distribution in Dorchester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (106 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.6% (80 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.9% (126 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.7% (114 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.6% (124 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester is as follows:
  • White: 84.6% (465 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (5 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.9% (71 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (5 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.7% of the population in Dorchester.

How many housing units are there in Dorchester?

There are 240 housing units in Dorchester, reflecting a -8.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dorchester has a total of 234 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dorchester?

Dorchester has a median household income of $74,286, representing a +24.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dorchester?

The employment rate is 97.9% in Dorchester, with a workforce of 275 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.3% (185 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.7% (90 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.4% (12 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (197 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.1% (36 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (30 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