Garden County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 79th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Garden County, Nebraska is 1,620 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 79th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $44,777, the median home value is $95,500, and the median age is 54.1.
The population of Garden County has declined 13.1% since 2010 (2,075 → 1,804), a -0.99% annualized rate.
1,620
Population
-0.99%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$44,777
Median Income
$95,500
Median Home Value
Garden County covers 1,705 sq mi of land at 1.0 people per square mile.
About Garden County, NE
Garden County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 1 people per square mile. With 1,620 residents, Garden County is a county in Nebraska.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $44,777, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.3%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $95,500, with typical rent around $675.
Roughly 20.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 16.6% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 11 minutes each way.
Garden County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Garden County had a population of 2,075 in 2010 and 1,804 in 2024, a -13.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,075 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.98%.
1,804
Population (2024)
2,075
Population (2010)
2,075
Peak (2010)
-0.98%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,075 |
| 2011 | 2,063 |
| 2012 | 1,984 |
| 2013 | 1,924 |
| 2014 | 1,909 |
| 2015 | 1,917 |
| 2016 | 1,904 |
| 2017 | 1,892 |
| 2018 | 1,891 |
| 2019 | 1,822 |
| 2020 | 1,889 |
| 2021 | 1,841 |
| 2022 | 1,837 |
| 2023 | 1,804 |
| 2024 | 1,804 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
54.1
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
31.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.6% · Seniors (65+): 31.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,777$-30,208 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,118 |
| Per-capita income | $31,288 |
| Poverty rate | 6.3%-0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Garden County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
7.2%
Carpool
65.0%
Public transit
16.6%
Work from home
10.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$95,500$-128,300 vs state
Median home value
$675
Median rent
78.4%
Homeownership rate
1,163
Total housing units
71.1%
Occupied
28.9%
Vacant
21.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
38.4%
Foreign-born
12.0%
Veterans (18+)
20.2%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.2%
High School+
20.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Garden County, Nebraska has a population of 1,620 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 79th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Garden County has declined 13.1% since 2010 (2,075 → 1,804), a -0.99% annualized rate.
The median household income in Garden County, Nebraska is $44,777, with mean (average) household income of $62,118 and per-capita income of $31,288. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Garden County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Garden County, Nebraska is 54.1 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Garden County is $95,500 and median monthly rent is $675. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,163 total housing units, 28.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Garden County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Garden County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Garden County, NE Climate
Garden County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.1°C (48°F) and receives about 422 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.1°C
Avg Temp
422
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 10 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 11 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 27 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 40 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 79 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 69 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 58 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 41 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 38 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 22 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 16 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 11 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 Garden County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Garden County, NE are typically August, July and June, 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). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Garden County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.