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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 4 people per square mile. With 10,544 residents, Custer County is a county in Nebraska. It ranks #24 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $66,310 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.3% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $160,500, with typical rent around $794.
Roughly 25.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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.
Custer County, NE Climate
Custer County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.4°C (49°F) and receives about 575 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.4°C
Avg Temp
575
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 11 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 12 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 37 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 57 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 88 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 100 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 86 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 65 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 50 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 35 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 24 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 10 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 Custer County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Custer County, NE are typically August, June 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). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Custer County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.