Washington County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Washington County, Nebraska is 20,989 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $90,188, the median home value is $278,300, and the median age is 42.6.
The population of Washington County has grown 6.7% since 2010 (19,921 → 21,254), a +0.46% annualized rate.
20,989
Population
+0.46%
Annual growth
54
People / sq mi
$90,188
Median Income
$278,300
Median Home Value
Washington County covers 390 sq mi of land at 53.8 people per square mile.
About Washington County, NE
Washington County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 20,989. It ranks #17 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 42.6, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Washington County is $90,188, above the US median of $74,580. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $278,300, with monthly rent averaging $958. The homeownership rate of 82.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Washington County reflects 36.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.2 minutes each way.
Washington County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Washington County had a population of 19,921 in 2010 and 21,254 in 2024, a 6.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,254 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.47%.
21,254
Population (2024)
19,921
Population (2010)
21,254
Peak (2024)
0.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,921 |
| 2011 | 19,920 |
| 2012 | 19,951 |
| 2013 | 19,855 |
| 2014 | 19,935 |
| 2015 | 19,925 |
| 2016 | 20,217 |
| 2017 | 20,330 |
| 2018 | 20,599 |
| 2019 | 20,683 |
| 2020 | 20,926 |
| 2021 | 20,991 |
| 2022 | 21,175 |
| 2023 | 21,182 |
| 2024 | 21,254 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.6
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $90,188+$15,203 vs state |
| Mean household income | $112,711 |
| Per-capita income | $46,114 |
| Poverty rate | 6.0%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Washington County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
81.6%
Public transit
10.8%
Work from home
23.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$278,300+$54,500 vs state
Median home value
$958
Median rent
82.2%
Homeownership rate
8,665
Total housing units
96.8%
Occupied
3.2%
Vacant
17.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.5%
With health insurance
95.8%
With broadband internet
25.0%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
10.7%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.9%
High School+
36.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington County, Nebraska has a population of 20,989 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 54 people per square mile.
The population of Washington County has grown 6.7% since 2010 (19,921 → 21,254), a +0.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Washington County, Nebraska is $90,188, with mean (average) household income of $112,711 and per-capita income of $46,114. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Washington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Washington County, Nebraska is 42.6 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Washington County is $278,300 and median monthly rent is $958. 82.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,665 total housing units, 3.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Washington County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Washington 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.