Dawes County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Dawes County, Nebraska is 8,212 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $54,381, the median home value is $146,500, and the median age is 35.2.
The population of Dawes County has declined 12.7% since 2010 (9,170 → 8,003), a -0.97% annualized rate.
8,212
Population
-0.97%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$54,381
Median Income
$146,500
Median Home Value
Dawes County covers 1,396 sq mi of land at 5.9 people per square mile.
About Dawes County, NE
Dawes County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 8,212. It ranks #36 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 35.2, younger than the national median. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The median household income in Dawes County is $54,381, below the US median of $74,580. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $146,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,014. The homeownership rate of 65.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Dawes County reflects 35.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.9 minutes each way.
Dawes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dawes County had a population of 9,170 in 2010 and 8,003 in 2024, a -12.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,208 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.96%.
8,003
Population (2024)
9,170
Population (2010)
9,208
Peak (2011)
-0.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,170 |
| 2011 | 9,208 |
| 2012 | 9,144 |
| 2013 | 9,072 |
| 2014 | 9,030 |
| 2015 | 8,974 |
| 2016 | 8,922 |
| 2017 | 8,897 |
| 2018 | 8,688 |
| 2019 | 8,557 |
| 2020 | 8,155 |
| 2021 | 8,147 |
| 2022 | 8,250 |
| 2023 | 8,145 |
| 2024 | 8,003 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.2
Median Age
52.0%
Female
48.0%
Male
19.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,381$-20,604 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,382 |
| Per-capita income | $29,623 |
| Poverty rate | 6.8%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dawes County is professional & business services, accounting for 42.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
8.1%
Carpool
68.9%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
13.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$146,500$-77,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,014
Median rent
65.7%
Homeownership rate
4,013
Total housing units
84.3%
Occupied
15.7%
Vacant
34.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.9%
With health insurance
90.2%
With broadband internet
38.6%
Foreign-born
4.8%
Veterans (18+)
14.1%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.7%
High School+
35.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dawes County, Nebraska has a population of 8,212 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Dawes County has declined 12.7% since 2010 (9,170 → 8,003), a -0.97% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dawes County, Nebraska is $54,381, with mean (average) household income of $70,382 and per-capita income of $29,623. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dawes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.5%), Black or African American (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dawes County, Nebraska is 35.2 years. Residents are 52.0% female and 48.0% male.
The median home value in Dawes County is $146,500 and median monthly rent is $1,014. 65.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,013 total housing units, 15.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dawes County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 42.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Dawes 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.