Phelps County, Nebraska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Phelps County is located in Nebraska with a total population of 8,983. It is the 30th most populous county out of 93 in Nebraska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Phelps County is 40.7 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 37.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Phelps County is $65,988. This is 12% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 16% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.6%. This is 32% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 1.2%. This is 61% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $173,300. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Phelps County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 66.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Phelps County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.5%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.

Education

26.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 22% 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 92.1%.