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

Total population
2,530
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,188/yr
13.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,409
-0.1% year-over-year change

Pawnee County population

How many people live in Pawnee County

Pawnee County is home to 2,530 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Pawnee County locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
2,530
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
1,254
Female
50.4%
1,276
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,254 49.6% 0.6%
Female 1,276 50.4% -1.3%
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 Pawnee County is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.5% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.7% of the population, while another 21.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.5%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
19.7%
45 to 64
21.5%
Over 65
28.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 518 20.5% 0.2%
15 to 24 252 10% -4.9%
25 to 44 499 19.7% 6.2%
45 to 64 543 21.5% -4.2%
Over 65 718 28.4% -0.3%
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 Pawnee County, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,504 99% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 0.7% 50.0%
Non-citizens 8 0.3% -11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
95%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 2,403 95%
Black or African American 3 0.1%
Two or more races 112 4.4%
Other 12 0.5%

Households in Pawnee County

A peek inside Pawnee County households

Pawnee County has 1,090 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.3% are families, while the remaining 41.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,090
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
455
Family households
635
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 455 41.7% 5.3%
Family households 635 58.3% -1.6%
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 Pawnee County

The housing landscape of Pawnee County

Pawnee County's housing consists of 1,409 units, with 90.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,409
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,281 90.9%
2 units 13 0.9%
3 or 4 units 27 1.9%
5 to 9 units 9 0.6%
20 to 49 units 5 0.4%
Mobile home 74 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
23
130.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pawnee County

In Pawnee County, the median construction year is 1952. About 41.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 580 41.2% -11.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 88 6.2% -20.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 147 10.4% 129.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 149 10.6% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 173 12.3% -11.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 53 3.8% -1.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 50 3.6% 31.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 75 5.3% 5.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 71 5% 7.6%
Built in 2020 or later 23 1.6% 130.0%
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.

Pawnee County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,090 occupied housing units in Pawnee County, 80.2% are owner-occupied, while 19.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,090
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
216
Owner occupied
874
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 216 19.8% 4.8%
Owner occupied 874 80.2% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
22.6%
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.

Pawnee County housing costs

Housing costs in Pawnee County come to a median of $634 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $706.

Median housing costs per month
$634/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 Pawnee County
$706/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 Pawnee County

Pawnee County education at a glance

About 45.6% of the population in Pawnee County went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 12.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 133 7% 33.0%
High school diploma 871 45.6% 0.0%
College diploma 362 19% -8.8%
Associate degree 165 8.6% -15.4%
Bachelor's degree 233 12.2% -4.1%
Graduate degree 145 7.6% 19.8%
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 Pawnee County

How much people earn in Pawnee County

The average annual household income in Pawnee County was $74,355 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,188, reflecting a +13.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pawnee County
$74,355/year
7.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pawnee County
$62,188/year
13.2% year-over-year change

Pawnee County income by age

In Pawnee County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,636 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,580, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,250 in earnings. Overall, 86.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,580 1.8%
25 - 44 $88,750 31.2%
45 - 64 $68,636 1.9%
Over 65 $41,250 5.0%
Above poverty level
2,098
Below poverty level
331
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,098 86.4% -1.0%
Below poverty level 331 13.6% -2.6%

Employment in Pawnee County

Workforce and job types in Pawnee County

The job market in Pawnee County is powered by 1,051 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 23.5% run their own businesses, 47.3% are employed by private companies, and 22% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,051
-7.2% year-over-year change
White collar
701
Blue collar
350
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 701 66.7% -1.7%
Blue collar 350 33.3% -16.5%
Employer type
Self employees
23.5%
Private companies
47.3%
Governmental workers
22%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 247 23.5% 17.6%
Private companies 497 47.3% -19.7%
Governmental workers 231 22% 7.9%
Not for profit companies 76 7.2% -14.6%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
26.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pawnee County stands at 2.2%, 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 Pawnee County

How people get around in Pawnee County

Commuting methods vary: 79.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.2% 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 790 79.4% -6.1%
Bicycle 2 0.2% -33.3%
Walk 62 6.2% -19.5%
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 Pawnee County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
68380 46 23 $51,250 $50,235
68381 159 61 $74,583 $125,807
68420 1,255 506 $56,250 $63,084
68323 244 87 $102,083 $102,500
68345 245 103 $68,125 $66,910
68441 133 73 $50,583 $61,899
68447 520 253 $64,063 $84,458
66541 234 95 $36,563 $49,887

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FAQs about Pawnee County demographics 

What is the total population of Pawnee County?

Pawnee County has a total population of 2,530 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pawnee County?

The gender ratio in Pawnee County is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (1,254 residents)
  • 50.4% females (1,276 residents)

What is the median age in Pawnee County?

The median age in Pawnee County is 44.9.

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

The age distribution in Pawnee County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.5% (518 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (252 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.7% (499 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.5% (543 residents)
  • Over 65: 28.4% (718 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pawnee County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pawnee County is as follows:
  • White: 95% (2,403 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (112 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (12 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Pawnee County.

How many housing units are there in Pawnee County?

There are 1,409 housing units in Pawnee County, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pawnee County has a total of 1,090 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pawnee County?

Pawnee County has a median household income of $62,188, representing a +13.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.8% in Pawnee County, with a workforce of 1,051 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.7% (701 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.3% (350 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 23.5% (247 residents)
  • Private companies: 47.3% (497 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22% (231 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (76 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