Harlan County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Harlan County, Nebraska is 3,006 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $70,536, the median home value is $147,200, and the median age is 47.1.
The population of Harlan County has declined 11.8% since 2010 (3,422 → 3,018), a -0.89% annualized rate.
3,006
Population
-0.89%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$70,536
Median Income
$147,200
Median Home Value
Harlan County covers 553 sq mi of land at 5.4 people per square mile.
About Harlan County, NE
Homeownership is the standout figure in Harlan County: 84.8% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Harlan County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 3,006.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,536 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.0% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $147,200, with typical rent around $708.
24.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 6.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Harlan County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Harlan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Harlan County had a population of 3,422 in 2010 and 3,018 in 2024, a -11.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,487 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.86%.
3,018
Population (2024)
3,422
Population (2010)
3,487
Peak (2013)
-0.86%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,422 |
| 2011 | 3,436 |
| 2012 | 3,411 |
| 2013 | 3,487 |
| 2014 | 3,468 |
| 2015 | 3,440 |
| 2016 | 3,441 |
| 2017 | 3,415 |
| 2018 | 3,363 |
| 2019 | 3,372 |
| 2020 | 3,054 |
| 2021 | 3,095 |
| 2022 | 3,023 |
| 2023 | 3,046 |
| 2024 | 3,018 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.1
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
26.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.8% · Seniors (65+): 26.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,536$-4,449 vs state |
| Mean household income | $96,144 |
| Per-capita income | $39,947 |
| Poverty rate | 5.0%-1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Harlan County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
5.5%
Carpool
74.6%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$147,200$-76,600 vs state
Median home value
$708
Median rent
84.8%
Homeownership rate
1,890
Total housing units
63.5%
Occupied
36.5%
Vacant
15.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
22.8%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
16.8%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.5%
High School+
24.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Harlan County, Nebraska has a population of 3,006 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Harlan County has declined 11.8% since 2010 (3,422 → 3,018), a -0.89% annualized rate.
The median household income in Harlan County, Nebraska is $70,536, with mean (average) household income of $96,144 and per-capita income of $39,947. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Harlan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Harlan County, Nebraska is 47.1 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Harlan County is $147,200 and median monthly rent is $708. 84.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,890 total housing units, 36.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Harlan County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Harlan County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Harlan County, NE Climate
Harlan County, NE has an average annual temperature of 10.4°C (51°F) and receives about 605 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.4°C
Avg Temp
605
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 24° | 10 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 12 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 47 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 52 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 99 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 90 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 86 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 78 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 58 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 36 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 25 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 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 Harlan County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Harlan County, NE are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Harlan County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.