Dawes County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Dawes County, Nebraska, had a population of 8,199. The racial composition was 85.1% White, 5.2% Native American, 2.2% African American, 1.1% Asian, and 6.4% Hispanic or Latino. The median age was 32.7 years, and there were 3,295 households. The median household income was approximately $47,500, with a poverty rate of about 15.1%. The county seat is Chadron, which is also the largest city in the county.

As of recent data, Dawes County, NE, has a median home value of approximately $140,000. The median rent is about $700 per month. The homeownership rate is 60%, while the rental vacancy rate stands at around 6%. The average household size is 2.4 individuals. Housing costs typically account for 25% of household income. The construction rate of new homes has slowed, reflecting rural trends.

As of the most recent elections, Dawes County, Nebraska, typically sees local positions such as County Commissioners, Sheriff, Treasurer, and assorted city and school board roles contested. Voter turnout in general elections often ranges from 50% to 70% of registered voters. Dawes County is part of Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District, which largely leans Republican.

In the 2022 general election:

• The 3rd Congressional District race saw Republican Adrian Smith winning with 75% of the vote.
• Local races included candidates such as incumbent County Commissioner Jake Stewart and newcomer candidates for treasurer and other administrative roles. Numbers of candidates can vary, often with races seeing between 1 to 3 contenders.

For exact and current candidate lists, voter turnout, and detailed results, visiting the Dawes County official website or the Nebraska Secretary of State’s elections page is recommended.

Dawes County, NE, reflects the broader educational trends within Nebraska but has some unique attributes impacted by the presence of Chadron State College. Approximately 27.6% of Dawes County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, slightly below the national average of around 33.1% and Nebraska's state average of 32.3%. High school graduation rates in Dawes County are impressive, at 92.1%, compared to the national average of 88% and Nebraska's average of 90.7%.

Overall, while Dawes County has high school graduation rates that exceed both national and state averages, its college degree attainment lags slightly behind. The presence of a higher education institution like Chadron State College likely boosts local educational engagement and resources.

As of recent reports, Dawes County, Nebraska, has a labor force of approximately 4,000 individuals, with an unemployment rate around 2.5%, which is below both the national average of approximately 3.7% and Nebraska's state average of 3.0%. The top industries in Dawes County include Education Services, due to the presence of Chadron State College; Healthcare and Social Assistance; Retail Trade; and Agriculture. These sectors provide significant employment opportunities in the county.

In comparison, the national top industries include Healthcare, Retail Trade, and Professional Services. This shows a similarity in healthcare and retail trade dominance. Nebraska's top industries also feature Agriculture prominently, reflecting the state's strong agricultural presence. Thus, Dawes County mirrors some state and national trends but has a distinct emphasis on education due to the local college.

As of the latest available data, Dawes County, Nebraska has a median household income of approximately $44,000. Comparatively, the median income for the state of Nebraska is about $61,439, and the national median household income stands around $68,700. This shows that Dawes County's median income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages.

Below is a table comparing these figures:

Dawes County's income is roughly 28% lower than the state average and 36% lower than the national average, highlighting a significant income disparity.

As of the most recent data, Dawes County, Nebraska, experiences relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The total crime rate in Dawes County is approximately 18.84 per 1,000 residents annually. Below is a breakdown of various crime statistics for the county:

Note: These figures and rates are approximate and can vary year to year. Always refer to local law enforcement or updated sources for the most current information.