Thurston County, Nebraska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Thurston County is located in Nebraska with a total population of 6,666. It is the 44th most populous county out of 93 in Nebraska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Thurston County is 28.7 years. This is 23% lower than the state median of 37.1 years. With 34.4% of the population under 18, Thurston County has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Thurston County is $64,838. This is 14% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 17% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%. This is 75% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 10.3%. This is 243% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $105,100. Housing costs are 53% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.6x, Thurston County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 61.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% lower than the state average of 66.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Thurston County is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.4%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (36.4%) is well below the state average of 76.2%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.4%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.

Education

20.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% 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 92.4%.