Seward County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 18th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Seward County, Nebraska is 17,636 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $81,122, the median home value is $232,400, and the median age is 37.6.
The population of Seward County has grown 5.8% since 2010 (16,800 → 17,769), a +0.40% annualized rate.
17,636
Population
+0.40%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$81,122
Median Income
$232,400
Median Home Value
Seward County covers 571 sq mi of land at 30.9 people per square mile.
About Seward County, NE
The poverty rate is what most separates Seward County from the typical county: 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Seward County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 17,636. It ranks #18 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Households take in a median $81,122, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.5%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $232,400, with typical rent around $969.
College attainment is above the local norm at 31.6%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.2%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Seward County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Seward County had a population of 16,800 in 2010 and 17,769 in 2024, a 5.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,769 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.40%.
17,769
Population (2024)
16,800
Population (2010)
17,769
Peak (2024)
0.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,800 |
| 2011 | 16,707 |
| 2012 | 16,899 |
| 2013 | 16,997 |
| 2014 | 17,016 |
| 2015 | 16,998 |
| 2016 | 17,095 |
| 2017 | 17,204 |
| 2018 | 17,281 |
| 2019 | 17,318 |
| 2020 | 17,610 |
| 2021 | 17,555 |
| 2022 | 17,623 |
| 2023 | 17,646 |
| 2024 | 17,769 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
37.6
Median Age
48.6%
Female
51.4%
Male
17.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $81,122+$6,137 vs state |
| Mean household income | $99,411 |
| Per-capita income | $38,045 |
| Poverty rate | 4.5%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Seward County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.0%
Carpool
78.5%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
20.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$232,400+$8,600 vs state
Median home value
$969
Median rent
72.1%
Homeownership rate
7,138
Total housing units
93.1%
Occupied
6.9%
Vacant
27.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
93.3%
With broadband internet
22.0%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
11.3%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.9%
High School+
31.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Seward County, Nebraska has a population of 17,636 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Seward County has grown 5.8% since 2010 (16,800 → 17,769), a +0.40% annualized rate.
The median household income in Seward County, Nebraska is $81,122, with mean (average) household income of $99,411 and per-capita income of $38,045. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Seward County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.2%), 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 Seward County, Nebraska is 37.6 years. Residents are 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
The median home value in Seward County is $232,400 and median monthly rent is $969. 72.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,138 total housing units, 6.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Seward County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Seward 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.