Cherry County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in Nebraska
The population of Cherry County, Nebraska is 5,468 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $63,750, the median home value is $136,000, and the median age is 43.5.
The population of Cherry County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (5,694 → 5,558), a -0.17% annualized rate.
5,468
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$63,750
Median Income
$136,000
Median Home Value
Cherry County covers 5,960 sq mi of land at 0.9 people per square mile.
About Cherry County, NE
The poverty rate is what most separates Cherry County from the typical county: 2.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 5,468 residents, Cherry County is a county in Nebraska.
The typical household here earns about $63,750, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 2.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $136,000, with typical rent around $873.
24.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 10.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Cherry County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cherry County had a population of 5,694 in 2010 and 5,558 in 2024, a -2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,847 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
5,558
Population (2024)
5,694
Population (2010)
5,847
Peak (2016)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,694 |
| 2011 | 5,732 |
| 2012 | 5,735 |
| 2013 | 5,759 |
| 2014 | 5,749 |
| 2015 | 5,831 |
| 2016 | 5,847 |
| 2017 | 5,818 |
| 2018 | 5,801 |
| 2019 | 5,757 |
| 2020 | 5,457 |
| 2021 | 5,453 |
| 2022 | 5,495 |
| 2023 | 5,527 |
| 2024 | 5,558 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 8.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.5
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
21.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 21.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,750$-11,235 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,202 |
| Per-capita income | $33,287 |
| Poverty rate | 2.7%-4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cherry County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
6.8%
Carpool
67.7%
Public transit
10.1%
Work from home
13.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$136,000$-87,800 vs state
Median home value
$873
Median rent
62.0%
Homeownership rate
3,004
Total housing units
74.2%
Occupied
25.8%
Vacant
38.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.0%
With health insurance
91.5%
With broadband internet
27.3%
Foreign-born
5.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.2%
With a disability
96.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
97.4%
High School+
24.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherry County, Nebraska has a population of 5,468 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Cherry County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (5,694 → 5,558), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cherry County, Nebraska is $63,750, with mean (average) household income of $80,202 and per-capita income of $33,287. 2.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cherry County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.6%), Hispanic or Latino (8.2%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cherry County, Nebraska is 43.5 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Cherry County is $136,000 and median monthly rent is $873. 62.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,004 total housing units, 25.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cherry County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.3%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Cherry County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
More from Nebraska
Population 585,461
Population 323,673
Population 194,051
Population 62,431
Full rankings of Nebraska counties
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.