| ZIP Code | 68856 |
|---|---|
| City | Merna |
| State | Nebraska (NE) |
| County | Custer County |
| Area Code | 308 |
| Elevation | 2,680 ft |
| Latitude | 41.503044 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -99.817591 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 31041 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 36.8 yrs ↑ 22% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.78 |
| Below Poverty | 5.2% ▼ 48% below avg |
| College Grads | 48.7% ▲ 26% above avg |
| Unemployment | 0.5% ▼ 89% below avg |
| HS Graduate | 116 (26.5%) |
| Some College | 53 (12.1%) |
| Associates | 55 (12.6%) |
| Bachelors | 108 (24.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 105 (24%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $81,250 ≈ Avg ↑ 45% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $194,600 ▼ 30% below avg ↑ 62% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,000/mo ↑ 21% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 282 |
| Vacant Units | 34 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.78 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 282 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 34 |
| Owner Occupied | 83.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 16.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.78 |
ZIP code 68856 is located in Merna, Nebraska, within Custer County. With a population of 690, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 36.8 years. Economically, 68856 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $81,250 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 68856 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $194,600 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,000 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 83.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 62% since 2019.
The population of 68856 is primarily White (90.87%). Residents are well-educated — 48.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 5.2%. Household income has grown by 45% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 68856 stands at 0.5%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 67%.
Overall, ZIP code 68856 in Merna, NE is characterized as middle-income, well-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 690 residents, a median household income of $81,250, and a median home value of $194,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Nebraska.