Custer County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Custer County, Nebraska is 10,544 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $66,310, the median home value is $160,500, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of Custer County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (10,905 → 10,487), a -0.28% annualized rate.
10,544
Population
-0.28%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$66,310
Median Income
$160,500
Median Home Value
Custer County covers 2,575 sq mi of land at 4.1 people per square mile.
About Custer County, NE
Custer County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 10,544. It ranks #24 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 42.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in Custer County is $66,310, below the US median of $74,580. 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $160,500, with monthly rent averaging $794. The homeownership rate of 70.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Custer County reflects 25.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.5 minutes each way.
Custer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Custer County had a population of 10,905 in 2010 and 10,487 in 2024, a -3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,905 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.27%.
10,487
Population (2024)
10,905
Population (2010)
10,905
Peak (2010)
-0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,905 |
| 2011 | 10,905 |
| 2012 | 10,846 |
| 2013 | 10,830 |
| 2014 | 10,772 |
| 2015 | 10,831 |
| 2016 | 10,828 |
| 2017 | 10,873 |
| 2018 | 10,818 |
| 2019 | 10,796 |
| 2020 | 10,492 |
| 2021 | 10,495 |
| 2022 | 10,503 |
| 2023 | 10,612 |
| 2024 | 10,487 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
22.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 22.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,310$-8,675 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,008 |
| Per-capita income | $37,311 |
| Poverty rate | 5.3%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Custer County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.7%
Carpool
78.8%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
17.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$160,500$-63,300 vs state
Median home value
$794
Median rent
70.9%
Homeownership rate
5,331
Total housing units
83.6%
Occupied
16.4%
Vacant
29.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.8%
With health insurance
88.3%
With broadband internet
19.4%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
96.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.0%
High School+
25.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Custer County, Nebraska has a population of 10,544 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Custer County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (10,905 → 10,487), a -0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Custer County, Nebraska is $66,310, with mean (average) household income of $88,008 and per-capita income of $37,311. 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Custer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Custer County, Nebraska is 42.3 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Custer County is $160,500 and median monthly rent is $794. 70.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,331 total housing units, 16.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Custer County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Custer 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.