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Population Review

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.

Brown County within Nebraska · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Brown County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 2,739. It ranks #69 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 45.9, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

The median household income in Brown County is $51,538, below the US median of $74,580. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $100,200, with monthly rent averaging $932. The homeownership rate of 73.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Brown County reflects 21.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 10.2 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%.

2010 · 3K20102024

2,877

Population (2024)

3,155

Population (2010)

3,155

Peak (2010)

-0.65%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20103,155
20113,099
20123,054
20132,960
20142,976
20152,985
20162,981
20173,006
20182,963
20192,966
20202,903
20212,922
20222,894
20232,877
20242,877

Race & Ethnicity

White89.2%
Black or African American0.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.2%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

45.9

Median Age

49.9%

Female

50.1%

Male

27.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.3%
5–9
6.0%
10–14
4.9%
15–19
6.8%
20–24
4.3%
25–34
10.0%
35–44
10.6%
45–54
9.8%
55–59
5.3%
60–64
8.9%
65–74
15.3%
75–84
8.0%
85+
4.0%

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 rate11.1%+4.4% vs state
Unemployment rate0.5%
Employment-to-population60.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Agriculture
28.0%
Professional & business services
24.0%
Construction
7.8%
Education & health care
4.9%
Retail trade
4.6%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.1%
Finance & real estate
4.1%
Public administration
3.6%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.