Thayer County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Thayer County, Nebraska is 4,938 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $63,095, the median home value is $106,200, and the median age is 46.2.
The population of Thayer County has declined 7.0% since 2010 (5,234 → 4,870), a -0.51% annualized rate.
4,938
Population
-0.51%
Annual growth
9
People / sq mi
$63,095
Median Income
$106,200
Median Home Value
Thayer County covers 574 sq mi of land at 8.6 people per square mile.
About Thayer County, NE
In Thayer County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $106,200. Thayer County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 4,938.
Median household income is $63,095, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.7%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $106,200, with typical rent around $738.
Roughly 23.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Thayer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Thayer County had a population of 5,234 in 2010 and 4,870 in 2024, a -7.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,234 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.51%.
4,870
Population (2024)
5,234
Population (2010)
5,234
Peak (2010)
-0.51%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,234 |
| 2011 | 5,169 |
| 2012 | 5,143 |
| 2013 | 5,178 |
| 2014 | 5,212 |
| 2015 | 5,129 |
| 2016 | 5,087 |
| 2017 | 5,035 |
| 2018 | 5,017 |
| 2019 | 4,976 |
| 2020 | 5,024 |
| 2021 | 4,892 |
| 2022 | 4,866 |
| 2023 | 4,855 |
| 2024 | 4,870 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.2
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
25.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 25.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,095$-11,890 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,688 |
| Per-capita income | $34,314 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7% |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Thayer County is agriculture, accounting for 21.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.7%
Carpool
82.6%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
14.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$106,200$-117,600 vs state
Median home value
$738
Median rent
75.6%
Homeownership rate
2,518
Total housing units
82.7%
Occupied
17.3%
Vacant
24.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
91.8%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
13.1%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.4%
High School+
23.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Thayer County, Nebraska has a population of 4,938 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 9 people per square mile.
The population of Thayer County has declined 7.0% since 2010 (5,234 → 4,870), a -0.51% annualized rate.
The median household income in Thayer County, Nebraska is $63,095, with mean (average) household income of $80,688 and per-capita income of $34,314. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Thayer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Thayer County, Nebraska is 46.2 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Thayer County is $106,200 and median monthly rent is $738. 75.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,518 total housing units, 17.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Thayer County, Nebraska is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 21.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Thayer County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Thayer County, NE Climate
Thayer County, NE has an average annual temperature of 11°C (52°F) and receives about 743 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11°C
Avg Temp
743
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 17 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 17 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 57 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 67 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 114 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 101 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 93 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 88 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 80 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 51 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 37 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 21 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Thayer County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Thayer County, NE are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Thayer County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.