Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is 35,937 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $60,960, the median home value is $161,400, and the median age is 39.8.
The population of Scotts Bluff County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (37,058 → 35,734), a -0.26% annualized rate.
35,937
Population
-0.26%
Annual growth
49
People / sq mi
$60,960
Median Income
$161,400
Median Home Value
Scotts Bluff County covers 740 sq mi of land at 48.6 people per square mile.
About Scotts Bluff County, NE
Scotts Bluff County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 35,937. It ranks #7 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 39.8, in line with the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Scotts Bluff County is $60,960, below the US median of $74,580. 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $161,400, with monthly rent averaging $889. The homeownership rate of 68.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Scotts Bluff County reflects 25.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.7 minutes each way.
Scotts Bluff County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Scotts Bluff County had a population of 37,058 in 2010 and 35,734 in 2024, a -3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,058 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.
35,734
Population (2024)
37,058
Population (2010)
37,058
Peak (2010)
-0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 37,058 |
| 2011 | 36,965 |
| 2012 | 36,923 |
| 2013 | 36,878 |
| 2014 | 36,467 |
| 2015 | 36,273 |
| 2016 | 36,439 |
| 2017 | 36,175 |
| 2018 | 35,923 |
| 2019 | 35,582 |
| 2020 | 36,051 |
| 2021 | 35,909 |
| 2022 | 35,798 |
| 2023 | 35,721 |
| 2024 | 35,734 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.8
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,960$-14,025 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,307 |
| Per-capita income | $34,209 |
| Poverty rate | 10.1%+3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Scotts Bluff County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
80.5%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
13.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$161,400$-62,400 vs state
Median home value
$889
Median rent
68.3%
Homeownership rate
16,474
Total housing units
91.6%
Occupied
8.4%
Vacant
31.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.2%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
30.7%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
87.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.5%
High School+
25.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska has a population of 35,937 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 49 people per square mile.
The population of Scotts Bluff County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (37,058 → 35,734), a -0.26% annualized rate.
The median household income in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is $60,960, with mean (average) household income of $78,307 and per-capita income of $34,209. 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Scotts Bluff County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.7%), Hispanic or Latino (3.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is 39.8 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Scotts Bluff County is $161,400 and median monthly rent is $889. 68.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,474 total housing units, 8.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Scotts Bluff 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.