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 a county in Nebraska with a population of 21,331. It ranks #16 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 32.1, younger than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Dakota County is $71,655, near the US median of $74,580. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $168,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,053. The homeownership rate of 64.6% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Dakota County reflects 15.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.1 minutes each way.
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
Metro areas in Nebraska
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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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.