Otoe County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Otoe County, Nebraska is 16,075 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $81,430, the median home value is $185,000, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Otoe County has grown 5.4% since 2010 (15,747 → 16,591), a +0.37% annualized rate.
16,075
Population
+0.37%
Annual growth
26
People / sq mi
$81,430
Median Income
$185,000
Median Home Value
Otoe County covers 616 sq mi of land at 26.1 people per square mile.
About Otoe County, NE
What sets Otoe County apart is money: median household income runs $81,430, near the US median of $78,538. With 16,075 residents, Otoe County is a county in Nebraska. It ranks #19 among counties in Nebraska by population.
The typical household earns $81,430 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $185,000, with typical rent around $905.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 5.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Otoe County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Otoe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Otoe County had a population of 15,747 in 2010 and 16,591 in 2024, a 5.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,591 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.38%.
16,591
Population (2024)
15,747
Population (2010)
16,591
Peak (2024)
0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,747 |
| 2011 | 15,740 |
| 2012 | 15,689 |
| 2013 | 15,686 |
| 2014 | 15,781 |
| 2015 | 15,844 |
| 2016 | 15,930 |
| 2017 | 15,946 |
| 2018 | 15,991 |
| 2019 | 15,993 |
| 2020 | 15,903 |
| 2021 | 16,022 |
| 2022 | 16,243 |
| 2023 | 16,448 |
| 2024 | 16,591 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $81,430+$6,445 vs state |
| Mean household income | $100,837 |
| Per-capita income | $41,885 |
| Poverty rate | 8.4%+1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Otoe County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$185,000$-38,800 vs state
Median home value
$905
Median rent
80.2%
Homeownership rate
6,987
Total housing units
91.9%
Occupied
8.1%
Vacant
19.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
22.8%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
92.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.5%
High School+
27.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Otoe County, Nebraska has a population of 16,075 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 26 people per square mile.
The population of Otoe County has grown 5.4% since 2010 (15,747 → 16,591), a +0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Otoe County, Nebraska is $81,430, with mean (average) household income of $100,837 and per-capita income of $41,885. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Otoe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Otoe County, Nebraska is 41.8 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Otoe County is $185,000 and median monthly rent is $905. 80.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,987 total housing units, 8.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Otoe County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Otoe County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Otoe County, NE Climate
Otoe County, NE has an average annual temperature of 10.8°C (51°F) and receives about 808 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.8°C
Avg Temp
808
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 19 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 22 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 61 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 75 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 112 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 95 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 111 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 93 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 87 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 63 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 46 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 24 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 Otoe County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Otoe 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 -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Otoe County
Visiting or relocating to Otoe County, NE? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Otoe County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Otoe County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Otoe County, NE by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Nebraska
Population 585,461
Population 323,673
Population 194,051
Population 62,431
Full rankings of Nebraska counties
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.