Broken Bow ZIP Codes — Custer County, NE

There is one unique ZIP code in Broken Bow, Nebraska and it is 68822. Area code: 308.

ZIP codes

385.74

sq mi land

0.07

sq mi water

308

area code

Broken Bow, NE ZIP code map

About Broken Bow, NE

Broken Bow is a vibrant city located in the heart of Nebraska, known for its rich agricultural heritage and welcoming community atmosphere. Nestled in Custer County, it serves as a central hub for the surrounding rural areas, making it a pivotal point for commerce and social activities. The city's blend of rural charm and modern amenities create a unique living experience for residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Broken Bow covers a land area of 385.74 square miles, with an additional water area of just 0.07 square miles. This expansive area is characterized by rolling hills and lush farmland, typical of the Nebraska landscape. Nearby cities include Callaway, located approximately 17 miles to the east, Merna at about 13 miles to the northeast, Ansley roughly 10 miles to the south, and Cozad approximately 22 miles to the southwest.

Community & economy

The community of Broken Bow is known for its friendly and close-knit atmosphere, where residents often come together for local events and celebrations. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. Daily life in Broken Bow is enriched by various community services, recreational opportunities, and local businesses that cater to the needs of its inhabitants.

Transportation

Transportation in Broken Bow is facilitated by several highways, including U.S. Route 183, which runs through the city and connects it to other major highways. The nearest regional airport is located in North Platte, approximately 40 miles to the southwest, offering services to larger airports. Public transit options are limited, but the city is easily navigable by car.

History

Broken Bow was founded in the late 19th century, emerging as a significant point for trade and commerce in Custer County. The city developed around the railroad industry, which played a pivotal role in its growth and economic stability. Notable events in its history include the establishment of the Custer County Fair, which has become a cherished tradition among locals.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Broken Bow is that it is home to the Custer County Historical Society Museum, which showcases the area's rich history and culture. Additionally, the city is known for its proximity to the scenic Nebraska Sandhills, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

ZIP codes for Broken Bow, NE (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
68822	Broken Bow	Custer	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,644

Population

41.5

Median age

$59,583

Median household income

$33,626

Per capita income

$133,900

Median home value

$777

Median monthly rent

64.9%

Home ownership

15.3%

Poverty rate

1.7%

Unemployment

1,624

Housing units

25.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

102

Under 5

110

170

5–9

184

197

10–14

214

165

15–19

179

20–24

104

251

25–34

272

281

35–44

303

190

45–54

205

149

55–59

162

171

60–64

184

232

65–74

251

141

75–84

152

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,211	26.1%
18 and over	3,433	73.9%
65 and over	955	20.6%
Median age	41.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 95.1%

Two or more races 2.6%

Black or African American 1.2%

Hispanic or Latino 0.5%

Other race 0.5%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	4,437	95.1%
Two or more races	123	2.6%
Black or African American	56	1.2%
Hispanic or Latino	21	0.5%
Other race	21	0.5%
American Indian / Alaska Native	7	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 2.0%

$10k–$15k 4.6%

$15k–$25k 13.5%

$25k–$35k 10.0%

$35k–$50k 12.0%

$50k–$75k 20.5%

$75k–$100k 12.3%

$100k–$150k 11.1%

$150k–$200k 9.2%

$200k+ 5.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.0%
$10k–$15k	4.6%
$15k–$25k	13.5%
$25k–$35k	10.0%
$35k–$50k	12.0%
$50k–$75k	20.5%
$75k–$100k	12.3%
$100k–$150k	11.1%
$150k–$200k	9.2%
$200k+	5.0%
Median income	$59,583

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 13.0%

$50k–$100k 24.1%

$100k–$150k 21.0%

$150k–$200k 8.8%

$200k–$300k 15.7%

$300k–$500k 9.9%

$500k–$1M 6.2%

$1M+ 1.3%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$133,900
Median rent / month	$777
Owner occupied	64.9%
Renter occupied	35.1%
Vacant	14.7%
Single-family detached	81.8%
Large apartment buildings	5.0%
Mobile homes	1.3%
Median rooms	6.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.49

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	3.8%
2000–2009	6.1%
1990–1999	7.8%
1980–1989	7.1%
1970–1979	13.8%
1960–1969	10.2%
1950–1959	9.4%
1940–1949	7.3%
1939 or earlier	34.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.9%
1 bedroom	11.1%
2 bedrooms	28.6%
3 bedrooms	34.7%
4 bedrooms	15.1%
5+ bedrooms	8.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	6.5%
1 vehicle	30.9%
2 vehicles	27.7%
3 or more	34.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	43.4%
Electricity	47.1%
Propane / LP gas	7.8%
Wood	0.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,020	51.6%
Cohabiting couple	113	5.7%
Male householder, no spouse	327	16.5%
Female householder, no spouse	518	26.2%
Households with children under 18	581	29.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	699	35.3%
Average household size	2.31

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	27.2%	21.7%
Married	62.6%	54.4%
Separated	0.6%	0.5%
Widowed	2.6%	13.0%
Divorced	7.0%	10.4%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.1%

Some HS, no diploma 2.0%

HS graduate 32.3%

Some college, no degree 22.1%

Associate's degree 15.0%

Bachelor's degree 17.5%

Graduate / professional 7.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	94.9%
Bachelor's or higher	25.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	143	13.7%
Kindergarten	64	6.1%
Elementary school	360	34.4%
High school	450	43.0%
College / grad school	29	2.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 24.7%

Agriculture & mining 11.4%

Construction 9.4%

Retail trade 9.4%

Professional & management 9.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.3%

Manufacturing 6.0%

Other services 5.9%

Finance & real estate 5.1%

Transportation & utilities 4.4%

Public administration 3.4%

Wholesale trade 2.3%

Information 1.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	37.5%
Service	18.3%
Sales & office	21.0%
Natural resources & construction	13.6%
Production & transportation	9.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	72.5%
Government	14.7%
Self-employed	11.1%
Unpaid family workers	1.7%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	79.4%
Carpool	10.1%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.8%
Other means	1.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	10.4

Poverty

All people 15.3%

Under 18 years 26.2%

18 and over 11.5%

Married-couple families 4.9%

Female-led households 65.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	36.3%
Retirement income	18.5%
Supplemental Security	5.1%
Cash public assistance	2.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.2%
High cholesterol	34.3%
Heart disease	7.9%
Stroke	3.6%
Asthma	8.4%
Arthritis	28.5%
Kidney disease	3.4%
Pulmonary disease	7.1%
Cancer	8.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.7%
No physical activity	24.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.1%
Fair or poor health	13.3%
Poor mental health	11.4%
Poor physical health	10.3%
No health insurance	13.6%
Visited doctor (checkup)	72.1%
Visited dentist	63.8%
Cholesterol screening	88.5%
Teeth loss	13.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	316	9.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	16.7%
Under 18	5.9%
18–64 years	13.8%
65 and over	39.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	64.2%
Public insurance	41.5%
Uninsured under 19	9.7%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	4,432	95.4%
Spanish	88	2.0%
Other Indo-European	88	2.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	4,542	97.8%
Born in same state	4,542	97.8%
Born in different state	3,544	76.3%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	102	2.2%
Not a US citizen	8	7.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	795	17.1%
Italian	622	13.4%
Arab	304	6.5%
Polish	233	5%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	96	2.1%
English	64	1.4%
Norwegian	5	0.1%
German	2	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	42.6%
Internet access	88.5%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Broken Bow, NE have?

Broken Bow, NE has one ZIP code: 68822. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.