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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Dawes County: a median age of 35.2, younger than the national median. Dawes County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 8,212. It ranks #36 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $54,381, below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.8% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $146,500, with typical rent around $1,014.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 35.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.9%, and the average commute runs about 14 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.
More from Nebraska
Population 585,461
Population 323,673
Population 194,051
Population 62,431
Full rankings of Nebraska counties
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.