Pawnee County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 72nd-largest in Nebraska
The population of Pawnee County, Nebraska is 2,539 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 72nd-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $54,926, the median home value is $74,800, and the median age is 47.1.
The population of Pawnee County has declined 9.3% since 2010 (2,781 → 2,521), a -0.70% annualized rate.
2,539
Population
-0.70%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$54,926
Median Income
$74,800
Median Home Value
Pawnee County covers 431 sq mi of land at 5.9 people per square mile.
About Pawnee County, NE
In Pawnee County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $74,800. Pawnee County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 2,539.
The typical household earns $54,926, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.7%, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $74,800, with typical rent around $616.
Roughly 20.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 12.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Pawnee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pawnee County had a population of 2,781 in 2010 and 2,521 in 2024, a -9.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,793 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.69%.
2,521
Population (2024)
2,781
Population (2010)
2,793
Peak (2012)
-0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,781 |
| 2011 | 2,791 |
| 2012 | 2,793 |
| 2013 | 2,752 |
| 2014 | 2,728 |
| 2015 | 2,693 |
| 2016 | 2,704 |
| 2017 | 2,624 |
| 2018 | 2,632 |
| 2019 | 2,639 |
| 2020 | 2,541 |
| 2021 | 2,542 |
| 2022 | 2,536 |
| 2023 | 2,511 |
| 2024 | 2,521 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.1
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
28.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.3% · Seniors (65+): 28.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,926$-20,059 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,894 |
| Per-capita income | $29,935 |
| Poverty rate | 8.7%+2.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pawnee County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
7.2%
Carpool
69.2%
Public transit
12.7%
Work from home
20.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$74,800$-149,000 vs state
Median home value
$616
Median rent
80.9%
Homeownership rate
1,410
Total housing units
76.4%
Occupied
23.6%
Vacant
19.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
81.2%
With broadband internet
32.9%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
19.4%
With a disability
94.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.9%
High School+
20.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Pawnee County, Nebraska has a population of 2,539 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 72nd-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Pawnee County has declined 9.3% since 2010 (2,781 → 2,521), a -0.70% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pawnee County, Nebraska is $54,926, with mean (average) household income of $68,894 and per-capita income of $29,935. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pawnee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pawnee County, Nebraska is 47.1 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Pawnee County is $74,800 and median monthly rent is $616. 80.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,410 total housing units, 23.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pawnee County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Pawnee County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Pawnee County, NE Climate
Pawnee County, NE has an average annual temperature of 11.3°C (52°F) and receives about 805 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.3°C
Avg Temp
805
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 18 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 21 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 58 mm |
| April | 11° / 53° | 71 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 106 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 107 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 104 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 98 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 95 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 60 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 42 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 25 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 Pawnee County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Pawnee 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 -10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pawnee County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.