Dakota County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Dakota County, Nebraska is 21,331 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $71,655, the median home value is $168,100, and the median age is 32.1.
The population of Dakota County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (21,033 → 21,335), a +0.10% annualized rate.
21,331
Population
+0.10%
Annual growth
81
People / sq mi
$71,655
Median Income
$168,100
Median Home Value
Dakota County covers 264 sq mi of land at 80.7 people per square mile.
About Dakota County, NE
Dakota County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 59.8% of the population. Dakota County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 21,331. It ranks #16 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Median household income is $71,655, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $168,100, with typical rent around $1,053.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.1%, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Dakota County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Dakota County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dakota County had a population of 21,033 in 2010 and 21,335 in 2024, a 1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,556 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.12%.
21,335
Population (2024)
21,033
Population (2010)
21,556
Peak (2020)
0.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,033 |
| 2011 | 20,810 |
| 2012 | 20,711 |
| 2013 | 20,761 |
| 2014 | 20,545 |
| 2015 | 20,548 |
| 2016 | 20,295 |
| 2017 | 20,075 |
| 2018 | 20,081 |
| 2019 | 20,100 |
| 2020 | 21,556 |
| 2021 | 21,287 |
| 2022 | 21,253 |
| 2023 | 21,340 |
| 2024 | 21,335 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 47.7% |
| Black or African American | 8.1% |
| Asian | 0.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.1
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
13.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 25.0% · Seniors (65+): 13.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,655$-3,330 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,144 |
| Per-capita income | $29,781 |
| Poverty rate | 8.9%+2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dakota County is manufacturing, accounting for 28.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
77.0%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
14.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$168,100$-55,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,053
Median rent
64.6%
Homeownership rate
7,795
Total housing units
93.6%
Occupied
6.4%
Vacant
35.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.2%
With health insurance
94.0%
With broadband internet
59.8%
Foreign-born
4.7%
Veterans (18+)
12.1%
With a disability
60.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.1%
High School+
15.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dakota County, Nebraska has a population of 21,331 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 81 people per square mile.
The population of Dakota County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (21,033 → 21,335), a +0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dakota County, Nebraska is $71,655, with mean (average) household income of $85,144 and per-capita income of $29,781. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dakota County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (47.7%), Black or African American (8.1%), Hispanic or Latino (5.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dakota County, Nebraska is 32.1 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Dakota County is $168,100 and median monthly rent is $1,053. 64.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,795 total housing units, 6.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dakota County, Nebraska is manufacturing, employing 28.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Dakota County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
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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.