Merrick County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Merrick County, Nebraska is 7,696 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $62,849, the median home value is $168,000, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of Merrick County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (7,852 → 7,837), a -0.01% annualized rate.
7,696
Population
-0.01%
Annual growth
16
People / sq mi
$62,849
Median Income
$168,000
Median Home Value
Merrick County covers 488 sq mi of land at 15.8 people per square mile.
About Merrick County, NE
The poverty rate is what most separates Merrick County from the typical county: 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Merrick County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 7,696. It ranks #38 among counties in Nebraska by population.
The typical household here earns about $62,849, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.5%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $168,000, with typical rent around $772.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.6%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Merrick County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Merrick County had a population of 7,852 in 2010 and 7,837 in 2024, a -0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,877 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: -0.01%.
7,837
Population (2024)
7,852
Population (2010)
7,877
Peak (2017)
-0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,852 |
| 2011 | 7,762 |
| 2012 | 7,848 |
| 2013 | 7,834 |
| 2014 | 7,791 |
| 2015 | 7,806 |
| 2016 | 7,852 |
| 2017 | 7,877 |
| 2018 | 7,774 |
| 2019 | 7,818 |
| 2020 | 7,660 |
| 2021 | 7,666 |
| 2022 | 7,709 |
| 2023 | 7,746 |
| 2024 | 7,837 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
48.8%
Female
51.2%
Male
21.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,849$-12,136 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,526 |
| Per-capita income | $34,539 |
| Poverty rate | 4.5%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Merrick County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
84.3%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
20.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$168,000$-55,800 vs state
Median home value
$772
Median rent
80.6%
Homeownership rate
3,584
Total housing units
89.6%
Occupied
10.4%
Vacant
19.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.2%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
15.1%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
95.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
17.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Merrick County, Nebraska has a population of 7,696 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 16 people per square mile.
The population of Merrick County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (7,852 → 7,837), a -0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Merrick County, Nebraska is $62,849, with mean (average) household income of $80,526 and per-capita income of $34,539. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Merrick County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Merrick County, Nebraska is 42.8 years. Residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
The median home value in Merrick County is $168,000 and median monthly rent is $772. 80.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,584 total housing units, 10.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Merrick County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.4%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Merrick 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.