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.
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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.