Red Willow County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 23rd-largest in Nebraska
The population of Red Willow County, Nebraska is 10,611 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $60,000, the median home value is $143,500, and the median age is 41.2.
The population of Red Willow County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (11,059 → 10,409), a -0.43% annualized rate.
10,611
Population
-0.43%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$60,000
Median Income
$143,500
Median Home Value
Red Willow County covers 717 sq mi of land at 14.8 people per square mile.
About Red Willow County, NE
Red Willow County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 10,611. It ranks #23 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Red Willow County is $60,000, below the US median of $74,580. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $143,500, with monthly rent averaging $778. The homeownership rate of 73.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Red Willow County reflects 26.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 11.9 minutes each way.
Red Willow County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Red Willow County had a population of 11,059 in 2010 and 10,409 in 2024, a -5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,059 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
10,409
Population (2024)
11,059
Population (2010)
11,059
Peak (2010)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,059 |
| 2011 | 11,051 |
| 2012 | 11,047 |
| 2013 | 11,057 |
| 2014 | 10,909 |
| 2015 | 10,895 |
| 2016 | 10,782 |
| 2017 | 10,765 |
| 2018 | 10,732 |
| 2019 | 10,720 |
| 2020 | 10,684 |
| 2021 | 10,621 |
| 2022 | 10,557 |
| 2023 | 10,512 |
| 2024 | 10,409 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.2
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
21.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,000$-14,985 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,794 |
| Per-capita income | $36,390 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%+2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Red Willow County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
87.5%
Public transit
5.6%
Work from home
11.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$143,500$-80,300 vs state
Median home value
$778
Median rent
73.2%
Homeownership rate
5,164
Total housing units
86.0%
Occupied
14.0%
Vacant
26.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.3%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
30.1%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
26.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Red Willow County, Nebraska has a population of 10,611 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Red Willow County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (11,059 → 10,409), a -0.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in Red Willow County, Nebraska is $60,000, with mean (average) household income of $83,794 and per-capita income of $36,390. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Red Willow County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), 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 Red Willow County, Nebraska is 41.2 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Red Willow County is $143,500 and median monthly rent is $778. 73.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,164 total housing units, 14.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Red Willow County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.9%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Red Willow 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.