Wheeler County, Nebraska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wheeler County is located in Nebraska with a total population of 785. It is the 85th most populous county out of 93 in Nebraska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wheeler County is 59.9 years. This is 61% higher than the state median of 37.1 years. 11.7% 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 Wheeler County is $55,893. This is 25% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%. This is 49% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 1.7%. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $135,900. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Wheeler County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 80.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% higher than the state average of 66.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Wheeler County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 96.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.

Education

29.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% 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 97.8%.