Buffalo County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Buffalo County, Nebraska is 50,323 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $74,570, the median home value is $236,800, and the median age is 34.6.
The population of Buffalo County has grown 10.8% since 2010 (46,176 → 51,156), a +0.73% annualized rate.
50,323
Population
+0.73%
Annual growth
52
People / sq mi
$74,570
Median Income
$236,800
Median Home Value
Buffalo County covers 968 sq mi of land at 52.0 people per square mile.
About Buffalo County, NE
Buffalo County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 50,323. It ranks #5 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 34.6, younger than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Buffalo County is $74,570, near the US median of $74,580. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $236,800, with monthly rent averaging $911. The homeownership rate of 65.2% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Buffalo County reflects 34.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.4 minutes each way.
Buffalo County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Buffalo County had a population of 46,176 in 2010 and 51,156 in 2024, a 10.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 51,156 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.74%.
51,156
Population (2024)
46,176
Population (2010)
51,156
Peak (2024)
0.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 46,176 |
| 2011 | 46,826 |
| 2012 | 47,642 |
| 2013 | 48,013 |
| 2014 | 48,220 |
| 2015 | 48,605 |
| 2016 | 49,171 |
| 2017 | 49,400 |
| 2018 | 49,461 |
| 2019 | 49,823 |
| 2020 | 50,204 |
| 2021 | 50,310 |
| 2022 | 50,528 |
| 2023 | 50,696 |
| 2024 | 51,156 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.6
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
16.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 16.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,570$-415 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,211 |
| Per-capita income | $37,873 |
| Poverty rate | 6.2%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Buffalo County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
83.4%
Public transit
4.4%
Work from home
16.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$236,800+$13,000 vs state
Median home value
$911
Median rent
65.2%
Homeownership rate
21,181
Total housing units
92.8%
Occupied
7.2%
Vacant
34.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
95.5%
With broadband internet
21.6%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
13.3%
With a disability
91.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.5%
High School+
34.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Buffalo County, Nebraska has a population of 50,323 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 52 people per square mile.
The population of Buffalo County has grown 10.8% since 2010 (46,176 → 51,156), a +0.73% annualized rate.
The median household income in Buffalo County, Nebraska is $74,570, with mean (average) household income of $93,211 and per-capita income of $37,873. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Buffalo County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Buffalo County, Nebraska is 34.6 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Buffalo County is $236,800 and median monthly rent is $911. 65.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,181 total housing units, 7.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Buffalo County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Buffalo 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.