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.
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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.