Valley County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 59th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Valley County, Nebraska is 4,094 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 59th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $58,902, the median home value is $122,200, and the median age is 45.4.
The population of Valley County has declined 5.5% since 2010 (4,267 → 4,032), a -0.40% annualized rate.
4,094
Population
-0.40%
Annual growth
7
People / sq mi
$58,902
Median Income
$122,200
Median Home Value
Valley County covers 568 sq mi of land at 7.2 people per square mile.
About Valley County, NE
Valley County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 4,094. It ranks #59 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 45.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Valley County is $58,902, below the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $122,200, with monthly rent averaging $616. The homeownership rate of 72.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Valley County reflects 27.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.1 minutes each way.
Valley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Valley County had a population of 4,267 in 2010 and 4,032 in 2024, a -5.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,267 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.40%.
4,032
Population (2024)
4,267
Population (2010)
4,267
Peak (2010)
-0.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,267 |
| 2011 | 4,227 |
| 2012 | 4,216 |
| 2013 | 4,181 |
| 2014 | 4,217 |
| 2015 | 4,167 |
| 2016 | 4,191 |
| 2017 | 4,214 |
| 2018 | 4,175 |
| 2019 | 4,117 |
| 2020 | 4,058 |
| 2021 | 4,065 |
| 2022 | 4,064 |
| 2023 | 4,029 |
| 2024 | 4,032 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.4
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
24.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 24.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,902$-16,083 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,425 |
| Per-capita income | $38,033 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%+1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Valley County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
82.6%
Public transit
4.1%
Work from home
15.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$122,200$-101,600 vs state
Median home value
$616
Median rent
72.9%
Homeownership rate
2,116
Total housing units
86.1%
Occupied
13.9%
Vacant
27.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.0%
With health insurance
89.6%
With broadband internet
14.3%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
18.6%
With a disability
96.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.4%
High School+
27.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Valley County, Nebraska has a population of 4,094 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 59th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 7 people per square mile.
The population of Valley County has declined 5.5% since 2010 (4,267 → 4,032), a -0.40% annualized rate.
The median household income in Valley County, Nebraska is $58,902, with mean (average) household income of $86,425 and per-capita income of $38,033. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Valley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), 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 Valley County, Nebraska is 45.4 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Valley County is $122,200 and median monthly rent is $616. 72.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,116 total housing units, 13.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Valley County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.2%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Valley 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.