Surrounded by Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota, the Western Nebraska Panhandle boasts abundant natural beauty. Though agriculture is the backbone of this area, our industry strengths include manufacturing, transportation and logistics, bio-medical, energy, education, and recreation.
As of 2024 the population of Western Nebraska Panhandle is 43,253. The population is expected to shrink to 42,373 by 2029 - a growth rate of -0.41%.
The median age of Western Nebraska Panhandle residents is 42.
The diversity index of Western Nebraska Panhandle is 58.6, meaning that there is a 59% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Western Nebraska Panhandle is $77,380 and projected to be $88,855 in 2029. Per capita income is $31,950, projected to be $37,023 in 2029. 1.85% of households – 801 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $782,709 and the average disposable income is $61,020.
There are 20,529 housing units in Western Nebraska Panhandle; 12,131 are owner-occupied, 5,705 are rented, and 2,693 are vacant. The average home value is $198,397, with 677 homes built in 2010 or later, and 4,382 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 2,314 businesses in Western Nebraska Panhandle, employing 24,738 workers and pulling from a labor force of 20,647 age 16 and above. 1,512 workers commute into Western Nebraska Panhandle from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
18,605 residents both live and work in/around Western Nebraska Panhandle. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 10.78% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 1.04% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 16,576 drive alone, 2,143 carpool, and 9 take public transportation. 718 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 1,201 residents work from home.
9,012 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 3,645 have associates degrees, 5,100 have bachelor’s degrees, and 2,302 hold a graduate or professional degree.
