Brainard ZIP Codes — Butler County, NE

There is one unique ZIP code in Brainard, Nebraska and it is 68626. Area code: 402.

ZIP codes

60.46

sq mi land

0.43

sq mi water

402

area code

Brainard, NE ZIP code map

About Brainard, NE

Brainard is a small village located in Butler County, Nebraska. This community is characterized by its rural charm and close-knit atmosphere. As a part of the Great Plains, it offers a unique blend of agricultural heritage and community-focused living.

Location & geography

Brainard is situated in central Nebraska, approximately 25 miles northwest of Lincoln and about 70 miles east of Grand Island. The village covers a land area of 60.46 square miles, complemented by 0.43 square miles of water. The surrounding terrain is predominantly flat, typical of the Great Plains, providing ample space for farming and outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The character of Brainard is deeply rooted in its agricultural traditions, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. Daily life in the village revolves around community events, local schools, and family-centered activities. The village fosters a strong sense of community, where neighbors know each other and support local initiatives.

Transportation

Brainard is accessible via State Highway 92, which connects it to other nearby towns and cities. The closest major airport is Lincoln Airport, located about 25 miles southeast, providing regional transportation options. Public transit options may be limited, emphasizing the need for personal vehicles within the community.

History

Brainard was founded in the late 19th century, reflecting the typical development pattern of towns in Nebraska during that era. Key industries in the area historically have included agriculture and support services for farming. Over the years, Brainard has been known for its community events that celebrate local heritage and culture.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Brainard is that the village is home to only one ZIP code, which is 68626. This ZIP code helps to simplify mail delivery and service for the small population that resides there.

ZIP codes for Brainard, NE (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
68626	Brainard	Butler	View map

Demographics & statistics

553

Population

51.5

Median age

$93,942

Median household income

$44,163

Per capita income

$163,900

Median home value

$838

Median monthly rent

84.5%

Home ownership

2.4%

Poverty rate

0.9%

Unemployment

261

Housing units

19.2%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	81	14.6%
18 and over	472	85.4%
65 and over	138	25.0%
Median age	51.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96.1%

Two or more races 2.2%

Asian 1.1%

Hispanic or Latino 0.7%

Group	Count	%
White	535	96.1%
Two or more races	12	2.2%
Asian	6	1.1%
Hispanic or Latino	4	0.7%

Household income

Under $10k 3.2%

$10k–$15k 1.2%

$15k–$25k 5.6%

$25k–$35k 1.6%

$35k–$50k 13.5%

$50k–$75k 17.1%

$75k–$100k 14.7%

$100k–$150k 25.9%

$150k–$200k 13.9%

$200k+ 3.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.2%
$10k–$15k	1.2%
$15k–$25k	5.6%
$25k–$35k	1.6%
$35k–$50k	13.5%
$50k–$75k	17.1%
$75k–$100k	14.7%
$100k–$150k	25.9%
$150k–$200k	13.9%
$200k+	3.2%
Median income	$93,942

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.7%

$50k–$100k 16.0%

$100k–$150k 19.8%

$150k–$200k 20.3%

$200k–$300k 17.9%

$300k–$500k 17.0%

$500k–$1M 4.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$163,900
Median rent / month	$838
Owner occupied	84.5%
Renter occupied	15.5%
Vacant	16.3%
Single-family detached	94.7%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	1.7%
Median rooms	7.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.28

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	5.3%
2000–2009	4.3%
1990–1999	8.0%
1980–1989	6.0%
1970–1979	14.0%
1960–1969	5.7%
1950–1959	1.7%
1940–1949	8.3%
1939 or earlier	46.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	8.0%
2 bedrooms	34.7%
3 bedrooms	37.7%
4 bedrooms	17.3%
5+ bedrooms	2.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.2%
1 vehicle	19.5%
2 vehicles	29.5%
3 or more	49.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	4.0%
Electricity	15.5%
Propane / LP gas	77.3%
Fuel oil	1.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	156	62.2%
Cohabiting couple	17	6.8%
Male householder, no spouse	37	14.7%
Female householder, no spouse	41	16.3%
Households with children under 18	57	22.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	105	41.8%
Average household size	2.20

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	30.1%	14.9%
Married	61.0%	68.9%
Separated	0.0%	1.2%
Widowed	1.6%	8.7%
Divorced	7.2%	6.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.2%

Some HS, no diploma 1.4%

HS graduate 36.1%

Some college, no degree 21.1%

Associate's degree 21.1%

Bachelor's degree 16.4%

Graduate / professional 2.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	97.4%
Bachelor's or higher	19.2%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	4	6.9%
Kindergarten	4	6.9%
Elementary school	25	43.1%
High school	18	31.0%
College / grad school	7	12.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 21.5%

Manufacturing 14.1%

Transportation & utilities 13.5%

Public administration 10.7%

Construction 8.3%

Agriculture & mining 6.7%

Finance & real estate 6.1%

Other services 5.2%

Wholesale trade 3.7%

Professional & management 3.7%

Retail trade 3.4%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.5%

Information 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	25.2%
Service	16.0%
Sales & office	18.4%
Natural resources & construction	20.9%
Production & transportation	19.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	74.2%
Government	19.3%
Self-employed	6.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	83.3%
Carpool	4.6%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	5.2%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.5

Poverty

All people 2.4%

Under 18 years 2.5%

18 and over 2.3%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 13.3%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	41.0%
Retirement income	20.3%
Supplemental Security	2.0%
Cash public assistance	0.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	2.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.5%
High cholesterol	33.3%
Heart disease	7.6%
Stroke	3.3%
Asthma	7.9%
Arthritis	28.0%
Kidney disease	3.1%
Pulmonary disease	6.4%
Cancer	8.7%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.0%
No physical activity	22.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.0%
Fair or poor health	11.6%
Poor mental health	10.5%
Poor physical health	9.2%
No health insurance	12.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	72.4%
Visited dentist	68.6%
Cholesterol screening	90.4%
Teeth loss	11.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	36	7.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	9.9%
Under 18	2.5%
18–64 years	8.1%
65 and over	18.8%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	78.7%
Public insurance	35.3%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	519	93.9%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	547	98.9%
Born in same state	544	98.4%
Born in different state	484	87.5%
Foreign born	3	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	6	1.1%
Not a US citizen	6	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	58	10.5%
French	39	7.1%
Arab	13	2.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	10	1.8%
English	6	1.1%
Polish	2	0.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	45.4%
Internet access	87.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Brainard, NE have?

Brainard, NE has one ZIP code: 68626. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.