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
What sets Washington County apart is money: median household income runs $90,188, above the US median of $78,538. Washington County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 20,989. It ranks #17 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $90,188, putting Washington County near the top of US counties. Only 6.0% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $278,300, with typical rent around $958.
About 36.5% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. A solid 10.8% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Washington County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
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.
Washington County, NE Climate
Washington County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.8°C (50°F) and receives about 771 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.8°C
Avg Temp
771
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 18 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 19 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 56 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 77 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 112 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 106 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 88 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 87 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 85 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 61 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 39 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 23 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 Washington County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Washington County, NE are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Washington County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.