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
Saunders County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 22,761. It ranks #14 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 40.4, older than the national median. The population is 51.3% male and 48.7% female.
The median household income in Saunders County is $89,395, above the US median of $74,580. 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $241,100, with monthly rent averaging $930. The homeownership rate of 81.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Saunders County reflects 30.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.2 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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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.