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Nebraska Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Nebraska is a state in the Midwestern United States, bordered by South Dakota to the north; Iowa to the east and Missouri to the southeast; Kansas to the south; Colorado to the southwest; and Wyoming to the west.
Nebraska is the 37th most populous state in the United States. It covers a total land area of 76,874 square miles (199,099 sq. km) and has an average population density of about 25 people per square mile, making it the 8th least densely populated state in the U.S.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Nebraska’s population in 2020 was 1,961,504 (1.96 million). As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population stands at 2,005,465, or roughly 2.0 million people.
👉 Projected Population of Nebraska (2026): ~2.03 million
Nebraska Population Growth (2010–2020)
Nebraska recorded a population growth rate of 7.4% between 2010 and 2020, adding 135,163 residents during the decade. The state’s median age is approximately 36.2 years, reflecting a relatively balanced age structure. In terms of gender distribution, Nebraska’s population is nearly even, with 50.3% females and 49.7% males.
Nebraska Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,961,504 (1.96 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 7.4% |
| Population Rank | 37th |
| Total Land Area | 76,874 sq mi (199,099 km²) |
| Area Rank | 16th |
| Population Density | 24.94/sq mi (9.63/km²) |
| Capital City | Lincoln |
| Largest City | Omaha |
Nebraska Historical Population
Nebraska’s population grew rapidly during the late 19th century as settlement expanded across the Great Plains. From just 28,841 residents in 1860, the population crossed 1 million by 1890, driven by westward migration and agricultural development. Growth slowed during the mid-20th century, with brief periods of stagnation and decline, but resumed steadily from the 1960s onward. By 2020, Nebraska’s population reached 1,961,504, reflecting gradual and sustained growth in recent decades.
Decade-wise Population Growth in Nebraska
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 28,841 | — |
| 1870 | 122,993 | 326.5% |
| 1880 | 452,402 | 267.8% |
| 1890 | 1,062,656 | 134.9% |
| 1900 | 1,066,300 | 0.3% |
| 1910 | 1,192,214 | 11.8% |
| 1920 | 1,296,372 | 8.7% |
| 1930 | 1,377,963 | 6.3% |
| 1940 | 1,315,834 | −4.5% |
| 1950 | 1,325,510 | 0.7% |
| 1960 | 1,411,330 | 6.5% |
| 1970 | 1,483,493 | 5.1% |
| 1980 | 1,569,825 | 5.8% |
| 1990 | 1,578,385 | 0.5% |
| 2000 | 1,711,263 | 8.4% |
| 2010 | 1,826,341 | 6.7% |
| 2020 | 1,961,504 | 7.4% |
Nebraska Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations in Nebraska
Christianity is the majority religion in Nebraska, followed by approximately 75% of the population. The largest Christian denominations in the state are Protestants (51%), Roman Catholics (23%), Mormonism (1%), and other Christian groups.
The Unaffiliated population accounts for about 20%, representing residents who do not follow or adhere to any faith or religion. Other non-Christian religions make up around 4% of Nebraska’s population and include Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and other faiths.
For more details, read Religion in Nebraska.
Race and Ethnicity in Nebraska
According to the 2020 Census, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population is the largest racial or ethnic group in Nebraska, comprising 75.69% of the total population. This is followed by the Hispanic or Latino population at 11.97%.
The Black or African American population makes up 4.81%, while those identifying with two or more races account for 3.70%. The Asian population represents 2.67% of the state’s population.
Ancestry in Nebraska
As per Census studies and estimates, German, Irish, English, Czech, and American are the five largest ancestry groups in Nebraska.
For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in Nebraska
Top Cities and Counties in Nebraska
As of 2022, Nebraska is divided into 93 counties. The most populous county in the state is Douglas County, with a population of 585,008, while Cherry County is the largest by land area, covering 5,961 square miles.
Nebraska has a total of 147 incorporated cities. Omaha is the most populous city, with 486,051 residents. It is followed by Lincoln (291,082) and Bellevue (64,176).
For more details, read Cities and Counties in Nebraska.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the population of Nebraska?
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Nebraska had a population of 1,961,504. As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population is about 2.0 million people.
2. Is Nebraska a densely populated state?
No. Nebraska is one of the least densely populated states in the U.S., with an average of about 25 people per square mile, ranking among the bottom ten nationwide.
3. What is the largest city in Nebraska?
Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska, with a population of over 486,000 residents, followed by Lincoln, the state capital.
4. Which county has the highest population in Nebraska?
Douglas County is the most populous county in Nebraska, home to more than 585,000 residents, including the city of Omaha.
5. What are the major ancestry groups in Nebraska?
The largest ancestry groups in Nebraska include German, Irish, English, Czech, and American, reflecting the state’s strong European immigrant heritage.
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