Pawnee County, Nebraska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Pawnee County is located in Nebraska with a total population of 2,539. It is the 72nd most populous county out of 93 in Nebraska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Pawnee County is 47.1 years. This is 27% higher than the state median of 37.1 years. 14.0% 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 Pawnee County is $54,926. This is 27% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 30% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%. This is 37% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 1.7%. This is 45% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $74,800. Housing costs are 67% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.4x, Pawnee County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 80.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% higher than the state average of 66.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Pawnee County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.8%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 12.3%.

Education

20.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 40% 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 87.9%.