Scottsbluff is the largest city in Scotts Bluff County and the Western Nebraska Panhandle while grabbing the spot of 13th largest city in Nebraska overall. The city shares its borders with the City of Gering, and the City of Terrytown for a total micropolitan population base of over 24,000 residents. Located in the Great Plains region of the United States, Scottsbluff is the retail hub of Western Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming, offering abundant lodging, dining, and shopping experiences.
As of 2026 the population of Scottsbluff is 14,150. The population is expected to shrink to 13,978 by 2031 - a growth rate of -0.24%.
The median age of Scottsbluff residents is 38.
The diversity index of Scottsbluff is 71.8, meaning that there is a 72% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Scottsbluff is $79,838 and projected to be $90,763 in 2031. Per capita income is $33,665, projected to be $38,661 in 2031. 2.29% of households – 324 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $701,512 and the average disposable income is $60,613.
There are 6,850 housing units in Scottsbluff; 3,490 are owner-occupied, 2,419 are rented, and 941 are vacant. The average home value is $202,756, with 324 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,292 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 1,019 businesses in Scottsbluff, employing 14,043 workers and pulling from a labor force of 6,954 age 16 and above. 200 workers commute into Scottsbluff from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
6,624 residents both live and work in/around Scottsbluff. The average travel time is 12.5 minutes. 13.81% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 1.27% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 5,718 drive alone, 610 carpool, and 0 take public transportation. 229 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 397 residents work from home.
2,614 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,122 have associates degrees, 1,446 have bachelor’s degrees, and 938 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
