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
Dawson County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 24,020. It ranks #13 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 35.8, younger than the national median. The population is 52.0% male and 48.0% female.
The median household income in Dawson County is $65,383, below the US median of $74,580. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $157,800, with monthly rent averaging $861. The homeownership rate of 64.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Dawson County reflects 17.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 1.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.9 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.
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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.