It is part of the Grand Island, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Boelus was originally called Howard City, and under the latter name was established in 1885 when it was certain that the railroad would be extended to that point.

According to some sources, Boelus was likely named from the Belus River,[5][6] while another source states Boelus got its name by conjoining the surnames Boesen and Larson, and the United States.

[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.71 square miles (1.84 km2), all land.

37.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

About 12.1% of families and 20.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 25.0% of those 65 or over.