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 is a county in Nebraska with a population of 6,666. It ranks #44 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 28.7, younger than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Thurston County is $64,838, below the US median of $74,580. 13.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $105,100, with monthly rent averaging $698. The homeownership rate of 61.1% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Thurston County reflects 20.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.5 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.
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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.