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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 17.0% of the population. Phelps County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 8,983. It ranks #30 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Median household income is $65,988, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.9%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $173,300, with typical rent around $724.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 26.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 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.