Phelps County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 30th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Phelps County, Nebraska is 8,983 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $65,988, the median home value is $173,300, and the median age is 40.7.
The population of Phelps County has declined 1.5% since 2010 (9,183 → 9,042), a -0.11% annualized rate.
8,983
Population
-0.11%
Annual growth
17
People / sq mi
$65,988
Median Income
$173,300
Median Home Value
Phelps County covers 540 sq mi of land at 16.6 people per square mile.
About Phelps County, NE
Phelps County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 8,983. It ranks #30 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 40.7, older than the national median. The population is 50.8% male and 49.2% female.
The median household income in Phelps County is $65,988, below the US median of $74,580. 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $173,300, with monthly rent averaging $724. The homeownership rate of 69.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Phelps County reflects 26.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.6 minutes each way.
Phelps County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Phelps County had a population of 9,183 in 2010 and 9,042 in 2024, a -1.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,218 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.11%.
9,042
Population (2024)
9,183
Population (2010)
9,218
Peak (2015)
-0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,183 |
| 2011 | 9,141 |
| 2012 | 9,208 |
| 2013 | 9,179 |
| 2014 | 9,162 |
| 2015 | 9,218 |
| 2016 | 9,199 |
| 2017 | 9,052 |
| 2018 | 9,003 |
| 2019 | 8,991 |
| 2020 | 8,977 |
| 2021 | 8,922 |
| 2022 | 9,007 |
| 2023 | 9,099 |
| 2024 | 9,042 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.7
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
20.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,988$-8,997 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,370 |
| Per-capita income | $39,646 |
| Poverty rate | 11.9%+5.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Phelps County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
83.1%
Public transit
5.4%
Work from home
14.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$173,300$-50,500 vs state
Median home value
$724
Median rent
69.9%
Homeownership rate
4,154
Total housing units
91.9%
Occupied
8.1%
Vacant
30.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
17.0%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
12.5%
With a disability
95.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.1%
High School+
26.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Phelps County, Nebraska has a population of 8,983 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 17 people per square mile.
The population of Phelps County has declined 1.5% since 2010 (9,183 → 9,042), a -0.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Phelps County, Nebraska is $65,988, with mean (average) household income of $90,370 and per-capita income of $39,646. 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Phelps County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), 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 Phelps County, Nebraska is 40.7 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Phelps County is $173,300 and median monthly rent is $724. 69.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,154 total housing units, 8.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Phelps County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.8%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Phelps 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.