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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 14.3% of the population. Valley County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 4,094.
Median household income is $58,902, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.7%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $122,200, with typical rent around $616.
About 27.6% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Most workers commute: only 4.1% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 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
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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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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.