Garfield County, Nebraska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Garfield County is located in Nebraska with a total population of 1,797. It is the 77th most populous county out of 93 in Nebraska. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Garfield County is 45.0 years. This is 21% higher than the state median of 37.1 years. 14.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Garfield County is $68,611. This is 9% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 13% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%. This is 13% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 1.8%. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $144,900. Housing costs are 35% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Garfield County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 74.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 66.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Garfield County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 96.4% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.1%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 12.3%.

Education

32.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Garfield County in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 4% lower than the state rate of 34.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.4%.