Dawson County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Dawson County, Nebraska is 24,020 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $65,383, the median home value is $157,800, and the median age is 35.8.
The population of Dawson County has grown 1.0% since 2010 (24,302 → 24,554), a +0.07% annualized rate.
24,020
Population
+0.07%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$65,383
Median Income
$157,800
Median Home Value
Dawson County covers 1,014 sq mi of land at 23.7 people per square mile.
About Dawson County, NE
Remote work is unusually rare in Dawson County: 1.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Dawson County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 24,020. It ranks #13 among counties in Nebraska by population.
The typical household here earns about $65,383, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $157,800, with typical rent around $861.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (1.9%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Dawson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dawson County had a population of 24,302 in 2010 and 24,554 in 2024, a 1.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,554 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.08%.
24,554
Population (2024)
24,302
Population (2010)
24,554
Peak (2024)
0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,302 |
| 2011 | 24,204 |
| 2012 | 23,967 |
| 2013 | 24,003 |
| 2014 | 23,964 |
| 2015 | 23,870 |
| 2016 | 23,742 |
| 2017 | 23,640 |
| 2018 | 23,726 |
| 2019 | 23,571 |
| 2020 | 24,082 |
| 2021 | 23,935 |
| 2022 | 24,048 |
| 2023 | 24,393 |
| 2024 | 24,554 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 62.0% |
| Black or African American | 7.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
35.8
Median Age
48.0%
Female
52.0%
Male
16.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 23.3% · Seniors (65+): 16.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,383$-9,602 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,799 |
| Per-capita income | $37,634 |
| Poverty rate | 8.9%+2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dawson County is manufacturing, accounting for 23.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
78.0%
Public transit
1.9%
Work from home
17.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$157,800$-66,000 vs state
Median home value
$861
Median rent
64.7%
Homeownership rate
9,905
Total housing units
90.7%
Occupied
9.3%
Vacant
35.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.5%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
15.8%
Foreign-born
5.1%
Veterans (18+)
12.4%
With a disability
64.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.8%
High School+
17.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dawson County, Nebraska has a population of 24,020 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Dawson County has grown 1.0% since 2010 (24,302 → 24,554), a +0.07% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dawson County, Nebraska is $65,383, with mean (average) household income of $86,799 and per-capita income of $37,634. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dawson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (62.0%), Black or African American (7.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dawson County, Nebraska is 35.8 years. Residents are 48.0% female and 52.0% male.
The median home value in Dawson County is $157,800 and median monthly rent is $861. 64.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,905 total housing units, 9.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dawson County, Nebraska is manufacturing, employing 23.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Dawson County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Dawson County, NE Climate
Dawson County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.6°C (49°F) and receives about 562 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.6°C
Avg Temp
562
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 10 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 11 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 36 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 52 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 93 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 98 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 82 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 66 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 49 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 33 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 20 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 12 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 Dawson County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Dawson 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 Dawson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.