Central City ZIP Codes — Merrick County, NE

There is one unique ZIP code in Central City, Nebraska and it is 68826. Area code: 308.

ZIP codes

144.26

sq mi land

2.22

sq mi water

308

area code

Central City, NE ZIP code map

About Central City, NE

Central City, Nebraska, serves as a focal point in Merrick County, showcasing a unique blend of small-town charm and agricultural heritage. With a single ZIP code of 68826, it embodies the spirit of community central to Nebraska's heartland. Visitors and residents alike enjoy its quintessential Midwestern atmosphere, friendly locals, and a range of local events throughout the year.

Location & geography

Situated in the central part of Nebraska, Central City lies approximately 30 miles west of Grand Island and around 40 miles east of Kearney. The city spans a land area of 144.26 square miles and includes 2.22 square miles of water, offering both open land and aquatic features for recreational activities. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and farmland, providing a picturesque setting for its residents.

Community & economy

Central City boasts a welcoming community where tradition meets progress, and residents take pride in their heritage. The local economy is largely driven by agriculture, with farming industries playing a significant role in shaping the community's daily life. Schools and community organizations contribute to a vibrant social fabric, hosting events that foster a strong sense of unity among its residents.

Transportation

Central City is accessible via Nebraska Highway 14 and Highway 92, making travel to and from surrounding areas convenient. The nearest major airport is located in Grand Island, providing regional and national flight options. Public transportation services in the area are limited, but the community is pedestrian-friendly and accommodates local travel needs.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Central City emerged as a vital agricultural and trade center in Merrick County. Over the years, it has been shaped by key industries such as farming and livestock, which have been essential to its growth and sustainability. Notable events include the establishment of the Merrick County Fair, which highlights the city's strong agricultural roots and community spirit.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Central City is that it is home to the annual Nebraska State Fair parade, showcasing local culture and community pride. Additionally, the city features an exceptional holiday celebration known as 'Central City Christmas,' highlighting local artisans and festive cheer.

ZIP codes for Central City, NE (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
68826	Central City	Merrick	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,945

Population

39.3

Median age

$62,137

Median household income

$30,083

Per capita income

$168,700

Median home value

$685

Median monthly rent

69.4%

Home ownership

11.1%

Poverty rate

0.0%

Unemployment

1,170

Housing units

21.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

122

Under 5

132

122

5–9

133

135

10–14

146

104

15–19

113

20–24

107

274

25–34

297

189

35–44

206

218

45–54

236

140

55–59

153

102

60–64

110

225

65–74

244

107

75–84

117

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	932	23.6%
18 and over	3,013	76.4%
65 and over	808	20.5%
Median age	39.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 86.6%

Hispanic or Latino 4.7%

Two or more races 3.7%

Other race 2.6%

Asian 2.3%

Black or African American 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	3,587	86.6%
Hispanic or Latino	195	4.7%
Two or more races	153	3.7%
Other race	106	2.6%
Asian	94	2.3%
Black or African American	3	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 8.0%

$10k–$15k 1.9%

$15k–$25k 10.9%

$25k–$35k 6.3%

$35k–$50k 14.4%

$50k–$75k 17.3%

$75k–$100k 15.2%

$100k–$150k 15.1%

$150k–$200k 10.1%

$200k+ 0.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	8.0%
$10k–$15k	1.9%
$15k–$25k	10.9%
$25k–$35k	6.3%
$35k–$50k	14.4%
$50k–$75k	17.3%
$75k–$100k	15.2%
$100k–$150k	15.1%
$150k–$200k	10.1%
$200k+	0.8%
Median income	$62,137

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 8.6%

$50k–$100k 16.0%

$100k–$150k 16.7%

$150k–$200k 20.8%

$200k–$300k 18.7%

$300k–$500k 14.4%

$500k–$1M 4.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$168,700
Median rent / month	$685
Owner occupied	69.4%
Renter occupied	30.6%
Vacant	5.9%
Single-family detached	77.9%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	1.4%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.62

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	6.9%
2000–2009	14.3%
1990–1999	13.1%
1980–1989	2.7%
1970–1979	14.4%
1960–1969	8.8%
1950–1959	3.9%
1940–1949	1.8%
1939 or earlier	34.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	5.7%
1 bedroom	2.5%
2 bedrooms	24.5%
3 bedrooms	46.2%
4 bedrooms	15.7%
5+ bedrooms	5.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.1%
1 vehicle	27.3%
2 vehicles	32.3%
3 or more	36.2%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	43.2%
Electricity	48.5%
Propane / LP gas	7.2%
Fuel oil	0.3%
Wood	0.7%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	818	52.9%
Cohabiting couple	102	6.6%
Male householder, no spouse	233	15.1%
Female householder, no spouse	394	25.5%
Households with children under 18	471	30.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	506	32.7%
Average household size	2.46

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	27.9%	21.9%
Married	57.6%	51.8%
Separated	0.0%	0.5%
Widowed	0.9%	14.3%
Divorced	13.6%	11.5%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.6%

Some HS, no diploma 2.5%

HS graduate 33.1%

Some college, no degree 30.2%

Associate's degree 10.4%

Bachelor's degree 13.2%

Graduate / professional 8.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	95.0%
Bachelor's or higher	21.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	94	10.5%
Kindergarten	23	2.6%
Elementary school	443	49.4%
High school	181	20.2%
College / grad school	155	17.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 27.3%

Retail trade 12.5%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.3%

Agriculture & mining 9.1%

Manufacturing 8.8%

Finance & real estate 8.6%

Public administration 5.8%

Wholesale trade 4.4%

Transportation & utilities 4.4%

Construction 3.8%

Professional & management 2.5%

Other services 2.4%

Information 1.1%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	36.5%
Service	16.4%
Sales & office	21.1%
Natural resources & construction	11.1%
Production & transportation	15.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	72.5%
Government	15.9%
Self-employed	11.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	84.3%
Carpool	6.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	5.5%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	20.4

Poverty

All people 11.1%

Under 18 years 16.0%

18 and over 9.5%

Married-couple families 1.6%

Female-led households 36.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	38.3%
Retirement income	21.1%
Supplemental Security	1.4%
Cash public assistance	0.7%
Food stamps / SNAP	6.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.0%
High cholesterol	33.5%
Heart disease	7.6%
Stroke	3.5%
Asthma	8.4%
Arthritis	28.2%
Kidney disease	3.3%
Pulmonary disease	7.0%
Cancer	8.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.9%
No physical activity	23.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	26.4%
Fair or poor health	12.9%
Poor mental health	11.7%
Poor physical health	9.9%
No health insurance	13.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.9%
Visited dentist	67.5%
Cholesterol screening	88.3%
Teeth loss	12.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	183	6.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	19.5%
Under 18	6.7%
18–64 years	19.2%
65 and over	36.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	72.6%
Public insurance	34.6%
Uninsured under 19	7.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,691	93.6%
Spanish	56	1.5%
Other Indo-European	48	1.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	8	0.2%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,745	94.9%
Born in same state	3,727	94.5%
Born in different state	3,066	77.7%
Foreign born	18	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	200	5.1%
Not a US citizen	98	49.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	472	12%
Arab	331	8.4%
French	216	5.5%
Dutch	80	2%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	48	1.2%
Polish	10	0.3%
Irish	7	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.2%
Internet access	89.3%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Central City, NE have?

Central City, NE has one ZIP code: 68826. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.