Wheeler County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 85th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Wheeler County, Nebraska is 785 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 85th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $55,893, the median home value is $135,900, and the median age is 59.9.
The population of Wheeler County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (825 → 808), a -0.15% annualized rate.
785
Population
-0.15%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$55,893
Median Income
$135,900
Median Home Value
Wheeler County covers 575 sq mi of land at 1.4 people per square mile.
About Wheeler County, NE
Age is the most distinctive thing about Wheeler County: a median age of 59.9, older than the national median. Wheeler County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 785.
The typical household earns $55,893, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.4%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $135,900, with typical rent around $525.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 29.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 11.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Wheeler County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Wheeler County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wheeler County had a population of 825 in 2010 and 808 in 2024, a -2.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 825 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.13%.
808
Population (2024)
825
Population (2010)
825
Peak (2010)
-0.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 825 |
| 2011 | 815 |
| 2012 | 797 |
| 2013 | 779 |
| 2014 | 786 |
| 2015 | 779 |
| 2016 | 803 |
| 2017 | 814 |
| 2018 | 795 |
| 2019 | 780 |
| 2020 | 775 |
| 2021 | 785 |
| 2022 | 784 |
| 2023 | 787 |
| 2024 | 808 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
59.9
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
32.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 32.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,893$-19,092 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,605 |
| Per-capita income | $39,076 |
| Poverty rate | 5.4%-1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wheeler County is agriculture, accounting for 40.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
9.8%
Carpool
69.7%
Public transit
11.1%
Work from home
17.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,900$-87,900 vs state
Median home value
$525
Median rent
80.8%
Homeownership rate
603
Total housing units
59.5%
Occupied
40.5%
Vacant
19.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
84.1%
With broadband internet
19.7%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
13.1%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
97.8%
High School+
29.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wheeler County, Nebraska has a population of 785 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 85th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Wheeler County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (825 → 808), a -0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wheeler County, Nebraska is $55,893, with mean (average) household income of $83,605 and per-capita income of $39,076. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wheeler County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wheeler County, Nebraska is 59.9 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Wheeler County is $135,900 and median monthly rent is $525. 80.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 603 total housing units, 40.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wheeler County, Nebraska is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 40.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.1%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Wheeler 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.