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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Scotts Bluff County: 68.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 35,937 residents, Scotts Bluff County is a county in Nebraska. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Nebraska in the country, at #7 by population.
The typical household here earns about $60,960, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $161,400, with typical rent around $889.
25.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 5.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 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
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
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.
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.