| ZIP Code | 68826 |
|---|---|
| City | Central City |
| State | Nebraska (NE) |
| County | Merrick County |
| Area Code | 308 |
| Elevation | 1,683 ft |
| Latitude | 41.163588 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -98.016399 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 31121 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 39.1 yrs ↓ 15% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.47 |
| Below Poverty | 7.4% ▼ 26% below avg |
| College Grads | 30.4% ▼ 22% below avg |
| Unemployment | 0.0% ▼ 100% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 51 (2%) |
| HS Graduate | 801 (31.5%) |
| Some College | 300 (11.8%) |
| Associates | 619 (24.3%) |
| Bachelors | 214 (8.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 558 (21.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $66,154 ▼ 13% below avg ↑ 17% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $169,600 ▼ 39% below avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.6x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $727/mo ↑ 8% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,635 |
| Vacant Units | 81 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.47 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,635 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 81 |
| Owner Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 27.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.47 |
ZIP code 68826 is located in Central City, Nebraska, within Merrick County. With a population of 3,976, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 39.1 years. Economically, 68826 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $66,154 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 68826 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $169,600 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $727 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 72.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 36% since 2019.
The population of 68826 is primarily White (88.58%). Residents are moderately educated — 30.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 7.4%. Household income has grown by 17% since 2019.
As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 86%.
Overall, ZIP code 68826 in Central City, NE is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 3,976 residents, a median household income of $66,154, and a median home value of $169,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Nebraska.