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
Seward County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 17,636. It ranks #18 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 37.6, younger than the national median. The population is 51.4% male and 48.6% female.
The median household income in Seward County is $81,122, above the US median of $74,580. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $232,400, with monthly rent averaging $969. The homeownership rate of 72.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Seward County reflects 31.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.6 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
Metro areas in Nebraska
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.