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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 15 people per square mile. With 10,611 residents, Red Willow County is a county in Nebraska. It ranks #23 among counties in Nebraska by population.
The typical household here earns about $60,000, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $143,500, with typical rent around $778.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 26.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.6% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 12 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
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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.