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
What distinguishes Hayes County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. Hayes County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 854.
Median household income is $60,313, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $112,800, with typical rent around $419.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 16.7% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.
Hayes County, NE Climate
Hayes County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.9°C (50°F) and receives about 515 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.9°C
Avg Temp
515
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 10 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 12 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 36 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 51 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 84 mm |
| June | 20° / 69° | 89 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 80 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 55 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 41 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 27 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 18 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 Hayes County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Hayes County, NE are typically August, June and September, 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). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hayes County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.