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
Merrick County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 7,696. It ranks #38 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 42.8, older than the national median. The population is 51.2% male and 48.8% female.
The median household income in Merrick County is $62,849, below the US median of $74,580. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $168,000, with monthly rent averaging $772. The homeownership rate of 80.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Merrick County reflects 17.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.6 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
Metro areas in Nebraska
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.