Thurston County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 44th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Thurston County, Nebraska is 6,666 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $64,838, the median home value is $105,100, and the median age is 28.7.
The population of Thurston County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (6,971 → 6,637), a -0.35% annualized rate.
6,666
Population
-0.35%
Annual growth
17
People / sq mi
$64,838
Median Income
$105,100
Median Home Value
Thurston County covers 394 sq mi of land at 16.9 people per square mile.
About Thurston County, NE
Thurston County skews on age — the median resident is 28.7, younger than the national median. Thurston County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 6,666. It ranks #44 among counties in Nebraska by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,838, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.5%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $105,100, with typical rent around $698.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.2% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Thurston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Thurston County had a population of 6,971 in 2010 and 6,637 in 2024, a -4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,296 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: -0.33%.
6,637
Population (2024)
6,971
Population (2010)
7,296
Peak (2018)
-0.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,971 |
| 2011 | 6,908 |
| 2012 | 6,931 |
| 2013 | 6,878 |
| 2014 | 6,967 |
| 2015 | 7,077 |
| 2016 | 7,141 |
| 2017 | 7,201 |
| 2018 | 7,296 |
| 2019 | 7,234 |
| 2020 | 6,759 |
| 2021 | 6,627 |
| 2022 | 6,549 |
| 2023 | 6,562 |
| 2024 | 6,637 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 1.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 58.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
28.7
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
12.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 28.4% · Seniors (65+): 12.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,838$-10,147 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,288 |
| Per-capita income | $25,128 |
| Poverty rate | 13.5%+6.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 6.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Thurston County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.8% of workers.
How residents commute
2.4%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
78.8%
Public transit
5.2%
Work from home
22.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$105,100$-118,700 vs state
Median home value
$698
Median rent
61.1%
Homeownership rate
2,290
Total housing units
86.6%
Occupied
13.4%
Vacant
38.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.6%
With health insurance
92.7%
With broadband internet
50.7%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
94.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
20.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Thurston County, Nebraska has a population of 6,666 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 17 people per square mile.
The population of Thurston County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (6,971 → 6,637), a -0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Thurston County, Nebraska is $64,838, with mean (average) household income of $78,288 and per-capita income of $25,128. 13.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Thurston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (58.3%), White (36.9%), Asian (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Thurston County, Nebraska is 28.7 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Thurston County is $105,100 and median monthly rent is $698. 61.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,290 total housing units, 13.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Thurston County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 6.7%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Thurston County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Thurston County, NE Climate
Thurston County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.1°C (48°F) and receives about 710 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.1°C
Avg Temp
710
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 14 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 20 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 55 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 69 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 105 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 105 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 84 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 75 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 77 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 53 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 32 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 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 Thurston County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Thurston County, NE are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Thurston County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.