Rock County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 80th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Rock County, Nebraska is 1,335 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 80th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $57,500, the median home value is $124,400, and the median age is 45.2.
The population of Rock County has declined 18.6% since 2010 (1,524 → 1,241), a -1.46% annualized rate.
1,335
Population
-1.46%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$57,500
Median Income
$124,400
Median Home Value
Rock County covers 1,008 sq mi of land at 1.3 people per square mile.
About Rock County, NE
Rock County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 1 people per square mile. With 1,335 residents, Rock County is a county in Nebraska.
Median household income is $57,500, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $124,400, with typical rent around $608.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 29.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 10.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 13 minutes each way.
Rock County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rock County had a population of 1,524 in 2010 and 1,241 in 2024, a -18.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,524 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.42%.
1,241
Population (2024)
1,524
Population (2010)
1,524
Peak (2010)
-1.42%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,524 |
| 2011 | 1,480 |
| 2012 | 1,426 |
| 2013 | 1,440 |
| 2014 | 1,449 |
| 2015 | 1,417 |
| 2016 | 1,405 |
| 2017 | 1,419 |
| 2018 | 1,354 |
| 2019 | 1,370 |
| 2020 | 1,265 |
| 2021 | 1,276 |
| 2022 | 1,234 |
| 2023 | 1,259 |
| 2024 | 1,241 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 98.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.2
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
25.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 25.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,500$-17,485 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,098 |
| Per-capita income | $35,740 |
| Poverty rate | 10.2%+3.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rock County is agriculture, accounting for 31.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
78.4%
Public transit
10.5%
Work from home
13.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$124,400$-99,400 vs state
Median home value
$608
Median rent
75.8%
Homeownership rate
829
Total housing units
70.2%
Occupied
29.8%
Vacant
24.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
95.5%
With broadband internet
16.6%
Foreign-born
3.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
98.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.3%
High School+
29.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rock County, Nebraska has a population of 1,335 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 80th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Rock County has declined 18.6% since 2010 (1,524 → 1,241), a -1.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rock County, Nebraska is $57,500, with mean (average) household income of $84,098 and per-capita income of $35,740. 10.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rock County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (98.5%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rock County, Nebraska is 45.2 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Rock County is $124,400 and median monthly rent is $608. 75.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 829 total housing units, 29.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rock County, Nebraska is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 31.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.7%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Rock County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Rock County, NE Climate
Rock County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.1°C (48°F) and receives about 593 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.1°C
Avg Temp
593
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 12 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 17 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 40 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 56 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 90 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 93 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 84 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 67 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 58 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 35 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 25 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 16 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 Rock County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Rock County, NE are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rock County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.