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
Jefferson County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 7,155. It ranks #40 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 44.7, older than the national median. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
The median household income in Jefferson County is $60,568, below the US median of $74,580. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $117,600, with monthly rent averaging $659. The homeownership rate of 72.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Jefferson County reflects 19.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.8 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.
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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.