| City: | Panama, Nebraska |
| County: | Lancaster County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 1:21:02 AM |
| Population: | 247 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 402 / 531 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 40.5958, -96.5019 |
| Land Area: | 1.007 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Panama is a small rural community in Lancaster County, Nebraska, about 15 miles southeast of Lincoln. With 247 residents spread across just 0.64 square miles, this village operates as a PO Box Only Zone where all 92 households rely on the post office for mail delivery.
The post office maintains 98 PO Boxes, slightly more than the number of local households. This 1.065 adoption rate suggests the post office serves the immediate community along with a few residents from surrounding rural areas. Street delivery doesn't exist here. Mail reaches Panama residents exclusively through PO Boxes.
Panama's street grid follows a classic small-town pattern: numbered streets (2nd through 7th) running east-west, with Locust Street holding the most delivery points. Nature-themed streets like Pine and Willow, along with Panama Road, complete the village layout. One rural carrier route serves addresses outside the village core.
At a median age of 45.2 years, Panama is home to established households rather than young families. Only 11 residents are under 18. The community is 92% White with a small Hispanic population (32 residents, or 13%). Homeownership is strong: 78 of 92 households (85%) own their homes, with a median value of $196,000.
Economic indicators show a stable community. Median household income stands at $89,583, well above rural Nebraska averages. One-third of workers (33.4%) work from home. Among those who commute, most drive alone, though the proximity to Lincoln means some residents likely work in the capital city. Four small businesses operate in Panama, employing 15 people combined.
This isn't a bedroom community for Lincoln despite the distance. It's a distinct rural village where residents have chosen small-town life. The PO Box system works because everyone's accustomed to it. When you live in a place this size, picking up mail means seeing your neighbors.
All addresses in Panama require a PO Box. The proper mailing format is:
Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
Panama, NE 68419Classic small-town grid with numbered streets running east-west and nature-themed street names.
ZIP Code 68419 has 247 residents and 92 households (average 2.68 persons per household). The median age is 45.2 years, significantly older than the state (36.9) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 46.6% male and 53.4% female, which is lower than the state male share (49.8%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (92.3%, much higher than the state average of 78.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Asian (1.6%, lower than the national average of 6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.2%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 247Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 223Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 245.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $89,583Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 92Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $196,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.68Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.66Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 311 | 290 | 264 | 272 | 284 | 262 | 278 | 261 | 236 | 248 | 254 | 253 | 223 |
| Decennial Census | 256 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 247 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 45.2
Male Median Age: 43.5
Female Median Age: 45.4
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 11 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Female | 8 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 7 |
| Total | 19 | 10 | 12 | 20 | 20 | 8 | 7 | 18 | 8 | 16 | 24 | 18 | 14 | 22 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 11 |
| White: | 228 | 96.61% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.42% |
| Hispanic:* | 3 | 1.27% |
| Asian: | 4 | 1.69% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 236 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 115 | 46.56% | 43.5 years |
| Females: | 132 | 53.44% | 45.4 years |
| Total: | 247 | 100% | 45.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 217 | 97.31% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 6 | 2.69% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 223 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 223 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $89,583, which is much higher than the state median ($74,985), is up $20,833 (30.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $5,833. Family households earn a median of $110,500 versus $87,708 for nonfamily households (a difference of $22,792). By gender, male median income is $68,750 and female is $52,500, which is well above the state female median ($49,375), with a current gap of $16,250 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 78.0%, which is far greater than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is markedly higher than the state rate (3.0%). The largest occupation group is Management (47.7%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $68,750 | $67,031 | $61,875 | $62,000 | $62,500 | $64,861 | $73,750 | $82,708 | $83,750 | $85,625 | $79,904 | $87,404 | $89,583 |
| Median Family Income | $76,719 | $72,125 | $66,786 | $66,696 | $73,333 | $66,667 | $85,000 | $91,250 | $82,917 | $83,750 | $108,750 | $106,563 | $110,500 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $34,265 | $34,464 | $34,271 | $36,488 | $36,548 | $0 | $50,833 | $66,875 | $61,250 | $54,500 | $77,596 | $85,192 | $87,708 |
| Median Male Income | $48,750 | $50,938 | $43,750 | $36,842 | $37,083 | $42,000 | $42,232 | $50,417 | $56,875 | $61,875 | $59,063 | $63,750 | $68,750 |
| Median Female Income | $34,643 | $34,464 | $45,313 | $37,188 | $41,250 | $41,250 | $41,607 | $41,167 | $44,844 | $43,281 | $61,250 | $52,500 | $52,500 |
| Employed: | 132 | 74.58% |
| Unemployed: | 6 | 3.39% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 39 | 22.03% |
| Total: | 177 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 63 | 47.73% |
| Service: | 26 | 19.70% |
| Sales and Office: | 16 | 12.12% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 12 | 9.09% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 15 | 11.36% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 132 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $196,000, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $81,100 (70.58%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $42,200. The median gross rent is $1,250, which is considerably higher than the state median ($1,035), is up $569 (83.55%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $567. Of occupied housing, owners make up 88.54% (56.47% with a mortgage, 43.53% free-and-clear) and renters 11.46% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 11.11%, which is much higher than the state rate (8.03%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $114,900 | $119,300 | $115,900 | $118,000 | $126,000 | $136,500 | $132,500 | $140,000 | $153,800 | $146,200 | $162,500 | $190,000 | $196,000 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 4 | 36.36% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 6 | 54.55% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 1 | 9.09% |
| Total: | 11 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $681 | $671 | $675 | $679 | $686 | $747 | $740 | $738 | $683 | $725 | $763 | $950 | $1,250 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 48 | 50.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 37 | 38.54% |
| Renter Occupied: | 11 | 11.46% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 96 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 96 | 88.89% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 12 | 11.11% |
| Total Housing Units: | 108 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 104 | 96.30% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 1 | 0.93% |
| Other Units: | 3 | 2.78% |
| Total Housing Units: | 108 | 100% |
In 2023, 15.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 92.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 2.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 84.30%, which is well above the national rate (67.30%). The share of people in poverty is 4.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), up 4.40 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.30 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (38.46%). College enrollment is 30.77%, which is on par with the state rate (25.40%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 1 | 0.63% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 11 | 6.88% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 55 | 34.38% |
| Some college, no degree: | 38 | 23.75% |
| Associate's degree: | 31 | 19.38% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 12 | 7.50% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 12 | 7.50% |
| Total: | 160 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 148 | 92.50% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 24 | 15.00% |
| Private Insurance: | 188 | 74.02% |
| Public Insurance: | 61 | 24.02% |
| No Insurance: | 5 | 1.97% |
| Total: | 254 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 249 | 98.03% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 6.3% | 7.8% | 6.9% | 5.7% | 7.4% | 3.1% | 3.1% | 4.1% | 4.4% | 7.0% | 4.4% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 4 | 10.26% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 15 | 38.46% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 8 | 20.51% |
| College or graduate school: | 12 | 30.77% |
| Total: | 39 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 4 | 10.26% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 23 | 58.97% |
ZIP Code 68419 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 5 business establishments, employing about 12 people with an annual payroll of $458,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 127Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 5Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $151,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $458,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 12Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 68419 is located in Lancaster County, Nebraska, within the Lincoln, NE Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 30700) and Nebraska's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 341,309 people, about 0.07% of whom live in ZIP Code 68419. It covers 1.007 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Lincoln, NESource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 30700Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 341,309Source: Census |
| MSA: | Lincoln, NE MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 1.007 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 8879.02 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3138225Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Panama village; NebraskaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 68419 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on January 1, 2026.