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Brainard, NE

View of Brainard, NE
Image credit: Ammodramus / CC0
Population
353
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
1,673 ft
Median Home Value
$172,800
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$756/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$68,750
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
General Quality
Overall rating out of 100

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OverallBest places in NebraskaPopulation rankingHighest population places in NebraskaNearest larger communityColumbus, Nebraska26 miles away · 25,248 residents.

About Brainard

Brainard is a quiet village of about 300 residents tucked into Butler County, Nebraska. Founded in 1878 along the Union Pacific line, the town grew as Czech, German, and English immigrants put down roots in the surrounding farmland. Today, it remains a peaceful, close-knit farming community where Czech heritage is still celebrated and neighbors take time to look out for one another.

Brainard, Nebraska ZCBJ from NW

The village serves as a hub for the East Butler Public School system, which brings together students and sports fans from several surrounding towns. Living here offers wide-open countryside and a relaxed pace, with David City just minutes away and Lincoln close enough for an easy day trip or commute. Local trivia buffs might also appreciate the town's history: the Hall family, who went on to found Hallmark cards, got their early start in this part of eastern Nebraska.

Top Rating Signals

Highest current ratings for this town.

Lower County Wildfire Hazard Potential ClassA+100.0ratingLower FEMA County Hurricane Risk IndexA+100.0ratingLower Projected Late-Century County-Area Exposure to Sea-Level RiseA+100.0rating

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