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
Thayer County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 4,938. It ranks #56 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 46.2, older than the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The median household income in Thayer County is $63,095, below the US median of $74,580. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $106,200, with monthly rent averaging $738. The homeownership rate of 75.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Thayer County reflects 23.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.2 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.
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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.