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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Buffalo County: a median age of 34.6, younger than the national median. Buffalo County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 50,323. It is the #5-largest of all counties in Nebraska nationally.
Median household income is $74,570, below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.2% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $236,800, with typical rent around $911.
College attainment is above the local norm at 34.6%, near the national 35.0%. Just 4.4% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 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.
Buffalo County, NE Climate
Buffalo County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.7°C (49°F) and receives about 635 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.7°C
Avg Temp
635
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 10 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 14 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 50 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 59 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 102 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 101 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 85 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 74 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 59 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 38 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 28 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 15 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 Buffalo County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Buffalo 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 Buffalo County
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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.