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
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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.
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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.