Mitchell in Scotts Bluff County was established in 1900 when the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad was extended westward to that point. It is part of the renowned Old West Balloon Festival each August, and the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds are located just west of the city.
As of 2026 the population of Mitchell is 1,491. The population is expected to shrink to 1,458 by 2031 - a growth rate of -0.45%.
The median age of Mitchell residents is 42.
The diversity index of Mitchell is 59.6, meaning that there is a 60% 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 Mitchell is $78,082 and projected to be $91,191 in 2031. Per capita income is $34,755, projected to be $41,075 in 2031. 2.08% of households – 31 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $794,264 and the average disposable income is $60,414.
There are 760 housing units in Mitchell; 457 are owner-occupied, 199 are rented, and 104 are vacant. The average home value is $205,476, with 3 homes built in 2010 or later, and 268 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 60 businesses in Mitchell, employing 449 workers and pulling from a labor force of 784 age 16 and above. 32 workers commute into Mitchell from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
707 residents both live and work in/around Mitchell. The average travel time is 19.4 minutes. 9.76% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 3.25% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 608 drive alone, 93 carpool, and 0 take public transportation. 35 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 48 residents work from home.
382 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 120 have associates degrees, 109 have bachelor’s degrees, and 23 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
