Brown County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 69th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Brown County, Nebraska is 2,739 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 69th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $51,538, the median home value is $100,200, and the median age is 45.9.
The population of Brown County has declined 8.8% since 2010 (3,155 → 2,877), a -0.66% annualized rate.
2,739
Population
-0.66%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$51,538
Median Income
$100,200
Median Home Value
Brown County covers 1,221 sq mi of land at 2.2 people per square mile.
About Brown County, NE
What distinguishes Brown County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 2 people per square mile. With 2,739 residents, Brown County is a county in Nebraska.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $51,538, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.1%, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $100,200, with typical rent around $932.
Roughly 21.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.7% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 10 minutes each way.
Brown County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Brown County had a population of 3,155 in 2010 and 2,877 in 2024, a -8.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,155 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.65%.
2,877
Population (2024)
3,155
Population (2010)
3,155
Peak (2010)
-0.65%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,155 |
| 2011 | 3,099 |
| 2012 | 3,054 |
| 2013 | 2,960 |
| 2014 | 2,976 |
| 2015 | 2,985 |
| 2016 | 2,981 |
| 2017 | 3,006 |
| 2018 | 2,963 |
| 2019 | 2,966 |
| 2020 | 2,903 |
| 2021 | 2,922 |
| 2022 | 2,894 |
| 2023 | 2,877 |
| 2024 | 2,877 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.9
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
27.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 27.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,538$-23,447 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,657 |
| Per-capita income | $37,034 |
| Poverty rate | 11.1%+4.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Brown County is agriculture, accounting for 28.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.2%
Carpool
78.4%
Public transit
7.7%
Work from home
10.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$100,200$-123,600 vs state
Median home value
$932
Median rent
73.8%
Homeownership rate
1,645
Total housing units
73.4%
Occupied
26.6%
Vacant
26.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
21.4%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
94.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
21.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Brown County, Nebraska has a population of 2,739 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 69th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Brown County has declined 8.8% since 2010 (3,155 → 2,877), a -0.66% annualized rate.
The median household income in Brown County, Nebraska is $51,538, with mean (average) household income of $82,657 and per-capita income of $37,034. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Brown County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Brown County, Nebraska is 45.9 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Brown County is $100,200 and median monthly rent is $932. 73.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,645 total housing units, 26.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Brown County, Nebraska is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 28.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.5%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Brown County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Brown County, NE Climate
Brown County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.1°C (48°F) and receives about 570 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.1°C
Avg Temp
570
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 11 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 16 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 36 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 56 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 91 mm |
| June | 20° / 69° | 86 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 84 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 68 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 54 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 31 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 23 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 14 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Brown County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Brown County, NE are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Brown County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.