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
Harlan County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 3,006. It ranks #65 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 47.1, older than the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The median household income in Harlan County is $70,536, below the US median of $74,580. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $147,200, with monthly rent averaging $708. The homeownership rate of 84.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Harlan County reflects 24.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.5 minutes each way.
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
Other counties 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.
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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.