Valley County, Nebraska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Valley County is located in Nebraska with a total population of 4,094. It is the 59th most populous county out of 93 in Nebraska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Valley County is 45.4 years. This is 22% higher than the state median of 37.1 years. 12.0% 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 Valley County is $58,902. This is 21% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%. This is 10% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 0.4%. This is 87% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $122,200. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Valley County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 66.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Valley County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.6%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.

Education

27.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 19% 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 94.4%.