Hayes County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 83rd-largest in Nebraska
The population of Hayes County, Nebraska is 854 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 83rd-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $60,313, the median home value is $112,800, and the median age is 48.7.
The population of Hayes County has declined 11.5% since 2010 (956 → 846), a -0.87% annualized rate.
854
Population
-0.87%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$60,313
Median Income
$112,800
Median Home Value
Hayes County covers 713 sq mi of land at 1.2 people per square mile.
About Hayes County, NE
Hayes County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 854. It ranks #83 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 48.7, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The median household income in Hayes County is $60,313, below the US median of $74,580. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $112,800, with monthly rent averaging $419. The homeownership rate of 71.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hayes County reflects 15.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 16.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.9 minutes each way.
Hayes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hayes County had a population of 956 in 2010 and 846 in 2024, a -11.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 956 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.83%.
846
Population (2024)
956
Population (2010)
956
Peak (2010)
-0.83%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 956 |
| 2011 | 952 |
| 2012 | 919 |
| 2013 | 947 |
| 2014 | 910 |
| 2015 | 916 |
| 2016 | 896 |
| 2017 | 895 |
| 2018 | 912 |
| 2019 | 911 |
| 2020 | 849 |
| 2021 | 843 |
| 2022 | 864 |
| 2023 | 840 |
| 2024 | 846 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.7
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
25.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 25.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,313$-14,672 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,177 |
| Per-capita income | $36,639 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%+2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hayes County is agriculture, accounting for 43.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
5.7%
Carpool
68.1%
Public transit
16.7%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$112,800$-111,000 vs state
Median home value
$419
Median rent
71.1%
Homeownership rate
479
Total housing units
74.5%
Occupied
25.5%
Vacant
28.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.5%
With health insurance
89.9%
With broadband internet
19.3%
Foreign-born
11.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
93.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.7%
High School+
15.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hayes County, Nebraska has a population of 854 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 83rd-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Hayes County has declined 11.5% since 2010 (956 → 846), a -0.87% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hayes County, Nebraska is $60,313, with mean (average) household income of $79,177 and per-capita income of $36,639. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hayes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hayes County, Nebraska is 48.7 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Hayes County is $112,800 and median monthly rent is $419. 71.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 479 total housing units, 25.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hayes County, Nebraska is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 43.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.1%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Hayes 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.