Dawes County, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,140
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,280/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,037
0.6% year-over-year change

Dawes County population

How many people live in Dawes County

Dawes County is home to 8,140 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Dawes County locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
8,140
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
3,953
Female
51.4%
4,187
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,953 48.6% 0.4%
Female 4,187 51.4% -2.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Dawes County is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 21.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 21.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
21.2%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
21.3%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,225 15% 1.2%
15 to 24 1,729 21.2% -9.4%
25 to 44 1,845 22.7% 1.8%
45 to 64 1,734 21.3% 2.9%
Over 65 1,607 19.7% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Dawes County, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 87.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,033 98.7% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 106 1.3% 24.7%
Non-citizens 1 0% -87.5%
Racial breakdown
White
87.3%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.5%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 7,103 87.3%
Black or African American 38 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 282 3.5%
Asian 89 1.1%
Two or more races 628 7.7%

Households in Dawes County

A peek inside Dawes County households

Dawes County has 3,453 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.2% are families, while the remaining 46.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,453
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,616
Family households
1,837
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,616 46.8% 4.7%
Family households 1,837 53.2% 0.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Dawes County

The housing landscape of Dawes County

Dawes County's housing consists of 4,037 units, with 73.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,037
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,971 73.6%
1 unit, attached 63 1.6%
2 units 165 4.1%
3 or 4 units 209 5.2%
5 to 9 units 33 0.8%
10 to 19 units 15 0.4%
20 to 49 units 285 7.1%
50 or more units 1 0%
Mobile home 295 7.3%
Homes built since 2020
20
-9.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dawes County

In Dawes County, the median construction year is 1958. About 32.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,306 32.4% -5.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 342 8.5% 6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 471 11.7% -10.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 272 6.7% 10.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 766 19% 16.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 389 9.6% -3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 223 5.5% 33.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 176 4.4% -15.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 72 1.8% -17.2%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.5% -9.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Dawes County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,453 occupied housing units in Dawes County, 61.8% are owner-occupied, while 38.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,453
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,320
Owner occupied
2,133
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,320 38.2% 13.9%
Owner occupied 2,133 61.8% -4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
14.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Dawes County housing costs

Housing costs in Dawes County come to a median of $901 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $900.

Median housing costs per month
$901/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Dawes County
$900/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Dawes County

Dawes County education at a glance

About 27.3% of the population in Dawes County went to high school, while 31.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.9% earned an associate degree and 16.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 65 1% -11.0%
High school diploma 1,817 27.3% -8.0%
College diploma 2,087 31.4% 11.9%
Associate degree 659 9.9% -5.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,119 16.8% -10.5%
Graduate degree 908 13.6% 3.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Dawes County

How much people earn in Dawes County

The average annual household income in Dawes County was $76,200 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,280, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dawes County
$76,200/year
8.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dawes County
$56,280/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Dawes County income by age

In Dawes County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,700. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,365 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,169, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,338 in earnings. Overall, 86.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,169 -2.0%
25 - 44 $68,700 12.2%
45 - 64 $75,365 -4.8%
Over 65 $49,338 0.4%
Above poverty level
6,363
Below poverty level
965
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,363 86.8% -1.0%
Below poverty level 965 13.2% 3.5%

Employment in Dawes County

Workforce and job types in Dawes County

The job market in Dawes County is powered by 4,264 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.8% run their own businesses, 40.1% are employed by private companies, and 34.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,264
-0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
3,402
Blue collar
862
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,402 79.8% 1.6%
Blue collar 862 20.2% -6.1%
Employer type
Self employees
15.8%
Private companies
40.1%
Governmental workers
34.5%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 675 15.8% 21.6%
Private companies 1,709 40.1% 0.7%
Governmental workers 1,471 34.5% -13.9%
Not for profit companies 409 9.6% 34.5%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
7.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dawes County stands at 1.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Dawes County

How people get around in Dawes County

Commuting methods vary: 82.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,486 82.9% 2.4%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% 100.0%
Bicycle 11 0.3% 0.0%
Walk 347 8.2% 3.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Dawes County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
69337 6,466 2,710 $54,306 $74,342
69339 1,474 659 $65,529 $79,563
69347 1,324 523 $76,133 $94,554
69348 1,334 515 $76,719 $86,377
69354 110 51 $99,018 $95,239
69367 89 47 $82,656 $74,849

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Dawes County demographics 

What is the total population of Dawes County?

Dawes County has a total population of 8,140 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dawes County?

The gender ratio in Dawes County is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (3,953 residents)
  • 51.4% females (4,187 residents)

What is the median age in Dawes County?

The median age in Dawes County is 35.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dawes County?

The age distribution in Dawes County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (1,225 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.2% (1,729 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (1,845 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.3% (1,734 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (1,607 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dawes County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawes County is as follows:
  • White: 87.3% (7,103 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (38 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.5% (282 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (89 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.7% (628 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Dawes County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Dawes County.

How many housing units are there in Dawes County?

There are 4,037 housing units in Dawes County, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Dawes County and what is the average household size?

Dawes County has a total of 3,453 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dawes County?

Dawes County has a median household income of $56,280, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dawes County?

The employment rate is 98.4% in Dawes County, with a workforce of 4,264 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.8% (3,402 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.2% (862 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.8% (675 residents)
  • Private companies: 40.1% (1,709 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 34.5% (1,471 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (409 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025