Jefferson County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Jefferson County, Nebraska is 7,155 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $60,568, the median home value is $117,600, and the median age is 44.7.
The population of Jefferson County has declined 5.1% since 2010 (7,521 → 7,136), a -0.37% annualized rate.
7,155
Population
-0.37%
Annual growth
13
People / sq mi
$60,568
Median Income
$117,600
Median Home Value
Jefferson County covers 570 sq mi of land at 12.5 people per square mile.
About Jefferson County, NE
In Jefferson County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $117,600. Jefferson County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 7,155. It ranks #40 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,568 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.4%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $117,600, with typical rent around $659.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jefferson County had a population of 7,521 in 2010 and 7,136 in 2024, a -5.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,553 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.37%.
7,136
Population (2024)
7,521
Population (2010)
7,553
Peak (2011)
-0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,521 |
| 2011 | 7,553 |
| 2012 | 7,536 |
| 2013 | 7,511 |
| 2014 | 7,299 |
| 2015 | 7,224 |
| 2016 | 7,167 |
| 2017 | 7,161 |
| 2018 | 7,062 |
| 2019 | 7,020 |
| 2020 | 7,260 |
| 2021 | 7,160 |
| 2022 | 7,151 |
| 2023 | 7,097 |
| 2024 | 7,136 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.7
Median Age
51.8%
Female
48.2%
Male
24.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 24.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,568$-14,417 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,820 |
| Per-capita income | $31,576 |
| Poverty rate | 8.4%+1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
76.5%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
18.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$117,600$-106,200 vs state
Median home value
$659
Median rent
72.2%
Homeownership rate
3,664
Total housing units
85.0%
Occupied
15.0%
Vacant
27.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
88.8%
With broadband internet
23.7%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
21.0%
With a disability
95.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.1%
High School+
19.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson County, Nebraska has a population of 7,155 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 13 people per square mile.
The population of Jefferson County has declined 5.1% since 2010 (7,521 → 7,136), a -0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jefferson County, Nebraska is $60,568, with mean (average) household income of $73,820 and per-capita income of $31,576. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jefferson County, Nebraska is 44.7 years. Residents are 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $117,600 and median monthly rent is $659. 72.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,664 total housing units, 15.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.6%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Jefferson County, NE Climate
Jefferson County, NE has an average annual temperature of 11.1°C (52°F) and receives about 764 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.1°C
Avg Temp
764
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 16 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 18 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 57 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 69 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 110 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 105 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 95 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 96 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 85 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 53 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 38 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 22 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 Jefferson County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Jefferson County, NE are typically September, June 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 -10°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jefferson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.