Saunders County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Saunders County, Nebraska is 22,761 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $89,395, the median home value is $241,100, and the median age is 40.4.
The population of Saunders County has grown 12.2% since 2010 (20,867 → 23,406), a +0.82% annualized rate.
22,761
Population
+0.82%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$89,395
Median Income
$241,100
Median Home Value
Saunders County covers 749 sq mi of land at 30.4 people per square mile.
About Saunders County, NE
The poverty rate is what most separates Saunders County from the typical county: 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Saunders County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 22,761. It ranks #14 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $89,395, putting Saunders County near the top of US counties. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 4.3% — below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $241,100, with typical rent around $930.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 30.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Saunders County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Saunders County had a population of 20,867 in 2010 and 23,406 in 2024, a 12.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,471 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.83%.
23,406
Population (2024)
20,867
Population (2010)
23,471
Peak (2023)
0.83%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,867 |
| 2011 | 20,839 |
| 2012 | 20,799 |
| 2013 | 20,878 |
| 2014 | 20,863 |
| 2015 | 20,953 |
| 2016 | 20,977 |
| 2017 | 21,035 |
| 2018 | 21,280 |
| 2019 | 21,562 |
| 2020 | 22,370 |
| 2021 | 22,832 |
| 2022 | 23,159 |
| 2023 | 23,471 |
| 2024 | 23,406 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.4
Median Age
48.7%
Female
51.3%
Male
18.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $89,395+$14,410 vs state |
| Mean household income | $106,904 |
| Per-capita income | $41,922 |
| Poverty rate | 4.3%-2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Saunders County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
78.1%
Public transit
9.0%
Work from home
26.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$241,100+$17,300 vs state
Median home value
$930
Median rent
81.7%
Homeownership rate
10,154
Total housing units
86.9%
Occupied
13.1%
Vacant
18.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.8%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
15.9%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
11.6%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.1%
High School+
30.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Saunders County, Nebraska has a population of 22,761 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Saunders County has grown 12.2% since 2010 (20,867 → 23,406), a +0.82% annualized rate.
The median household income in Saunders County, Nebraska is $89,395, with mean (average) household income of $106,904 and per-capita income of $41,922. 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Saunders County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Saunders County, Nebraska is 40.4 years. Residents are 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
The median home value in Saunders County is $241,100 and median monthly rent is $930. 81.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,154 total housing units, 13.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Saunders County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Saunders County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Saunders County, NE Climate
Saunders County, NE has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 829 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.3°C
Avg Temp
829
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 15 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 21 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 62 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 84 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 124 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 111 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 85 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 100 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 97 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 67 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 38 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 25 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 Saunders County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Saunders 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 -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Saunders County
Visiting or relocating to Saunders County, NE? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Saunders County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Saunders County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Saunders County, NE by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Nebraska
Population 585,461
Population 323,673
Population 194,051
Population 62,431
Full rankings of Nebraska counties
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.