Norfolk City, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,054
% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,884/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,786
% year-over-year change

Norfolk population

How many people live in Norfolk

Norfolk is home to 26,054 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Norfolk locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
26,054
% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
12,950
Female
50.3%
13,104
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,950 49.7% N/A
Female 13,104 50.3% N/A
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 Norfolk is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
17.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,272 20.2% N/A
15 to 24 3,756 14.4% N/A
25 to 44 6,227 23.9% N/A
45 to 64 6,256 24% N/A
Over 65 4,543 17.4% N/A
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 Norfolk, 92% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.5%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,956 92% N/A
Non-U.S.-born citizens 906 3.5% N/A
Non-citizens 1,192 4.6% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
80.5%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.3%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 20,971 80.5%
Black or African American 257 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 339 1.3%
Asian 263 1%
Two or more races 3,214 12.3%
Other 1,010 3.9%

Households in Norfolk

A peek inside Norfolk households

Norfolk has 10,990 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.6% are families, while the remaining 43.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,990
% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,766
Family households
6,224
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,766 43.4% N/A
Family households 6,224 56.6% N/A
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 Norfolk

The housing landscape of Norfolk

Norfolk's housing consists of 11,786 units, with 60.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.1% 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% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,786
% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,154 60.7%
1 unit, attached 602 5.1%
2 units 387 3.3%
3 or 4 units 377 3.2%
5 to 9 units 782 6.6%
10 to 19 units 767 6.5%
20 to 49 units 974 8.3%
50 or more units 389 3.3%
Mobile home 354 3%
Homes built since 2020
280
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Norfolk

In Norfolk, the median construction year is 1976. About 16.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,904 16.2% N/A
Built between 1940 and 1949 405 3.4% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 891 7.6% N/A
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,481 12.6% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,087 17.7% N/A
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,546 13.1% N/A
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,416 12% N/A
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,037 8.8% N/A
Built between 2010 and 2019 739 6.3% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 280 2.4% 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.

Norfolk occupancy rates

Out of the 10,990 occupied housing units in Norfolk, 60.9% are owner-occupied, while 39.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,990
% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,296
Owner occupied
6,694
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,296 39.1% N/A
Owner occupied 6,694 60.9% N/A
Unoccupied housing units
6.8%
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.

Norfolk housing costs

Housing costs in Norfolk come to a median of $966 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $875.

Median housing costs per month
$966/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 Norfolk
$875/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 Norfolk

Norfolk education at a glance

About 34.6% of the population in Norfolk went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 16.6% earned an associate degree and 13.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 868 4.4% N/A
High school diploma 6,838 34.6% N/A
College diploma 4,391 22.2% N/A
Associate degree 3,269 16.6% N/A
Bachelor's degree 2,721 13.8% N/A
Graduate degree 1,659 8.4% N/A
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 Norfolk

How much people earn in Norfolk

The average annual household income in Norfolk was $84,073 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Average household income in Norfolk
$84,073/year
% year-over-year change
Median household income in Norfolk
$58,884/year
% year-over-year change

Norfolk income by age

In Norfolk, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,321. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,898 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,371, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,149 in earnings. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,371 N/A
25 - 44 $77,321 N/A
45 - 64 $64,898 N/A
Over 65 $45,149 N/A
Above poverty level
21,658
Below poverty level
3,587
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,658 85.8% N/A
Below poverty level 3,587 14.2% N/A

Average renter income in Norfolk

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Norfolk, their median household income was $37,173 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,173
Rent-to-income ratio
28.2%
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 Norfolk

Workforce and job types in Norfolk

The job market in Norfolk is powered by 13,347 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 65% are employed by private companies, and 16.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,347
White collar
9,430
Blue collar
3,917
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,430 70.6% N/A
Blue collar 3,917 29.4% N/A
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
65%
Governmental workers
16.9%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,309 9.8% N/A
Private companies 8,679 65% N/A
Governmental workers 2,252 16.9% N/A
Not for profit companies 1,107 8.3% N/A
Unemployment rate
3.2%

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Norfolk stands at 3.2%, 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 Norfolk

How people get around in Norfolk

Commuting methods vary: 91.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 11,992 91.3% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 3 0% N/A
Motorcycle 42 0.3% N/A
Bicycle 19 0.1% N/A
Walk 205 1.6% N/A
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 Norfolk by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
68701 31,417 13,112 $62,633 $87,477

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FAQs about Norfolk demographics 

What is the total population of Norfolk?

Norfolk has a total population of 26,054 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 % compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Norfolk?

The gender ratio in Norfolk is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (12,950 residents)
  • 50.3% females (13,104 residents)

What is the median age in Norfolk?

The median age in Norfolk is 37.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Norfolk?

The age distribution in Norfolk is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (5,272 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (3,756 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (6,227 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (6,256 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.4% (4,543 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Norfolk?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Norfolk is as follows:
  • White: 80.5% (20,971 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (257 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (339 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (263 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.3% (3,214 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (1,010 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92% of the population in Norfolk.

How many housing units are there in Norfolk?

There are 11,786 housing units in Norfolk, reflecting a % change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Norfolk has a total of 10,990 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Norfolk?

Norfolk has a median household income of $58,884, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in Norfolk, with a workforce of 13,347 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.6% (9,430 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.4% (3,917 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (1,309 residents)
  • Private companies: 65% (8,679 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.9% (2,252 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (1,107 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