Box Butte County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in Nebraska
The population of Box Butte County, Nebraska is 10,754 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $68,778, the median home value is $161,100, and the median age is 40.7.
The population of Box Butte County has declined 5.1% since 2010 (11,277 → 10,703), a -0.37% annualized rate.
10,754
Population
-0.37%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$68,778
Median Income
$161,100
Median Home Value
Box Butte County covers 1,075 sq mi of land at 10.0 people per square mile.
About Box Butte County, NE
Box Butte County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 10 people per square mile. With 10,754 residents, Box Butte County is a county in Nebraska. It ranks #22 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Median household income is $68,778, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.6%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $161,100, with typical rent around $771.
Roughly 20.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.2%, and the average commute runs about 11 minutes each way.
Box Butte County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Box Butte County had a population of 11,277 in 2010 and 10,703 in 2024, a -5.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,327 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.37%.
10,703
Population (2024)
11,277
Population (2010)
11,327
Peak (2015)
-0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,277 |
| 2011 | 11,298 |
| 2012 | 11,270 |
| 2013 | 11,302 |
| 2014 | 11,303 |
| 2015 | 11,327 |
| 2016 | 11,168 |
| 2017 | 10,842 |
| 2018 | 10,735 |
| 2019 | 10,786 |
| 2020 | 10,819 |
| 2021 | 10,658 |
| 2022 | 10,685 |
| 2023 | 10,705 |
| 2024 | 10,703 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.7% |
| Black or African American | 3.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.7
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
20.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,778$-6,207 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,395 |
| Per-capita income | $33,834 |
| Poverty rate | 6.6%-0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Box Butte County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
78.3%
Public transit
7.2%
Work from home
10.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$161,100$-62,700 vs state
Median home value
$771
Median rent
75.5%
Homeownership rate
5,222
Total housing units
86.9%
Occupied
13.1%
Vacant
24.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.1%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
30.0%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.2%
With a disability
94.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
20.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Box Butte County, Nebraska has a population of 10,754 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of Box Butte County has declined 5.1% since 2010 (11,277 → 10,703), a -0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Box Butte County, Nebraska is $68,778, with mean (average) household income of $78,395 and per-capita income of $33,834. 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Box Butte County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.7%), Black or African American (3.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Box Butte County, Nebraska is 40.7 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Box Butte County is $161,100 and median monthly rent is $771. 75.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,222 total housing units, 13.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Box Butte County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.1%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Box Butte County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
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Statewide data for Nebraska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nebraska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.