McPherson County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 92nd-largest in Nebraska
The population of McPherson County, Nebraska is 463 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 92nd-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $61,316, the median home value is $124,200, and the median age is 46.6.
The population of McPherson County has declined 30.2% since 2010 (539 → 376), a -2.54% annualized rate.
463
Population
-2.54%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$61,316
Median Income
$124,200
Median Home Value
McPherson County covers 859 sq mi of land at 0.5 people per square mile.
About McPherson County, NE
What distinguishes McPherson County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. With 463 residents, McPherson County is a county in Nebraska.
The typical household here earns about $61,316, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 2.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $124,200, with typical rent around $653.
Roughly 24.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 19.5% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
McPherson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McPherson County had a population of 539 in 2010 and 376 in 2024, a -30.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 551 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -2.36%.
376
Population (2024)
539
Population (2010)
551
Peak (2011)
-2.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 539 |
| 2011 | 551 |
| 2012 | 509 |
| 2013 | 528 |
| 2014 | 510 |
| 2015 | 489 |
| 2016 | 503 |
| 2017 | 493 |
| 2018 | 494 |
| 2019 | 493 |
| 2020 | 396 |
| 2021 | 380 |
| 2022 | 374 |
| 2023 | 377 |
| 2024 | 376 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 99.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.6
Median Age
44.5%
Female
55.5%
Male
21.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.2% · Seniors (65+): 21.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,316$-13,669 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,734 |
| Per-capita income | $34,279 |
| Poverty rate | 2.7%-4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McPherson County is agriculture, accounting for 33.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
7.9%
Carpool
63.7%
Public transit
19.5%
Work from home
19.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$124,200$-99,600 vs state
Median home value
$653
Median rent
73.0%
Homeownership rate
259
Total housing units
75.7%
Occupied
24.3%
Vacant
27.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.3%
With health insurance
95.9%
With broadband internet
11.0%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
9.3%
With a disability
96.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.4%
High School+
24.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McPherson County, Nebraska has a population of 463 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 92nd-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of McPherson County has declined 30.2% since 2010 (539 → 376), a -2.54% annualized rate.
The median household income in McPherson County, Nebraska is $61,316, with mean (average) household income of $80,734 and per-capita income of $34,279. 2.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McPherson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (99.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McPherson County, Nebraska is 46.6 years. Residents are 44.5% female and 55.5% male.
The median home value in McPherson County is $124,200 and median monthly rent is $653. 73.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 259 total housing units, 24.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McPherson County, Nebraska is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 33.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with McPherson County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
McPherson County, NE Climate
McPherson County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9°C (48°F) and receives about 491 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9°C
Avg Temp
491
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 13 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 15 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 32 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 51 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 83 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 74 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 70 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 48 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 44 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 24 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 22 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 15 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 McPherson County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit McPherson County, NE are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McPherson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.