Perkins County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 68th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Perkins County, Nebraska is 2,835 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 68th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $67,500, the median home value is $149,200, and the median age is 41.0.
The population of Perkins County has declined 6.7% since 2010 (2,978 → 2,779), a -0.49% annualized rate.
2,835
Population
-0.49%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$67,500
Median Income
$149,200
Median Home Value
Perkins County covers 883 sq mi of land at 3.2 people per square mile.
About Perkins County, NE
What distinguishes Perkins County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 3 people per square mile. With 2,835 residents, Perkins County is a county in Nebraska.
The typical household here earns about $67,500, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.5%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $149,200, with typical rent around $783.
25.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Just 4.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Perkins County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Perkins County had a population of 2,978 in 2010 and 2,779 in 2024, a -6.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,978 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.49%.
2,779
Population (2024)
2,978
Population (2010)
2,978
Peak (2010)
-0.49%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,978 |
| 2011 | 2,944 |
| 2012 | 2,929 |
| 2013 | 2,890 |
| 2014 | 2,874 |
| 2015 | 2,933 |
| 2016 | 2,898 |
| 2017 | 2,885 |
| 2018 | 2,911 |
| 2019 | 2,884 |
| 2020 | 2,861 |
| 2021 | 2,821 |
| 2022 | 2,844 |
| 2023 | 2,802 |
| 2024 | 2,779 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.0
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
23.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.9% · Seniors (65+): 23.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,500$-7,485 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,470 |
| Per-capita income | $36,539 |
| Poverty rate | 5.5%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Perkins County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.2%
Carpool
78.8%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
14.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$149,200$-74,600 vs state
Median home value
$783
Median rent
77.7%
Homeownership rate
1,353
Total housing units
85.9%
Occupied
14.1%
Vacant
22.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
34.9%
Foreign-born
9.5%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.7%
High School+
25.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Perkins County, Nebraska has a population of 2,835 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 68th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Perkins County has declined 6.7% since 2010 (2,978 → 2,779), a -0.49% annualized rate.
The median household income in Perkins County, Nebraska is $67,500, with mean (average) household income of $85,470 and per-capita income of $36,539. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Perkins County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Perkins County, Nebraska is 41.0 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Perkins County is $149,200 and median monthly rent is $783. 77.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,353 total housing units, 14.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Perkins County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Perkins County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Perkins County, NE Climate
Perkins County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.8°C (50°F) and receives about 471 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.8°C
Avg Temp
471
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 11 mm |
| February | -1° / 31° | 12 mm |
| March | 4° / 38° | 32 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 46 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 83 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 82 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 71 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 50 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 36 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 21 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 16 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 11 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 Perkins County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Perkins County, NE are typically August, June and September, 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 Perkins County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.