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
Cherry County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 5,468. It ranks #51 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 43.5, older than the national median. The population is 51.6% male and 48.4% female.
The median household income in Cherry County is $63,750, below the US median of $74,580. 2.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $136,000, with monthly rent averaging $873. The homeownership rate of 62.0% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cherry County reflects 24.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.5 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.
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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.