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
Wheeler County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 785. It ranks #85 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 59.9, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Wheeler County is $55,893, below the US median of $74,580. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $135,900, with monthly rent averaging $525. The homeownership rate of 80.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wheeler County reflects 29.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.3 minutes each way.
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
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
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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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.