Hitchcock County

Hitchcock County, NE has a population of approximately 2,600 as of the most recent census. The racial composition is mainly White (97.5%), with small percentages of other races, including Hispanic or Latino (2.5%). The median age is 48 years, and households generally have an average size of 2.24 individuals. The county's economy predominantly revolves around agriculture, with a median household income of around $41,000 and a poverty rate of about 12%. The area covers 718 square miles, with a low population density reflecting its rural setting.

Hitchcock County, NE, features a median home value of around $82,500. The area has a homeownership rate of approximately 75.4%. The average household size is 2.4 persons. Rental vacancy rates hover near 10%, with median gross rent at $650 monthly. There are roughly 1,500 housing units in the county, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. About 80% of homes are owner-occupied, while 20% are rentals. Housing market trends in the region remain relatively stable, reflecting broader rural Nebraska trends.

Hitchcock County, Nebraska, holds elections for local government positions, state representation, and federal offices. As of the latest elections, positions up for vote typically include county commissioners, treasurer, sheriff, and other local officials.

• County Commissioners: Three seats usually contested, each representing one of three districts.
• 2022 General Election Turnout: Approximately 65% of registered voters participated.

Recent candidates for various positions:

• County Commissioner District 1: John Smith (R), Jane Doe (D)
• Sheriff: Michael Jones (R), Karen White (D)

Voter registration:

• Total voters: Around 1,200
• Republican: About 65%
• Democrat: Around 20%
• Others: 15%

State Representative:

• 46th District: John Blake (I), contested against Angela Martin (R).

Election resources and updates can be found on the Hitchcock County Clerk’s official website or local government offices.

Hitchcock County, NE has relatively modest educational attainment compared to state and national averages. According to recent data:

• High school graduation rate: Approximately 91.1% (Nebraska average: 91.4%; U.S. average: 88%)
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 14.8% (Nebraska average: 31.3%; U.S. average: 33.1%)

The county's high school graduation rate aligns closely with state and national figures, but the percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher is significantly lower than both.

Comparatively, Nebraska's overall education levels exceed those of Hitchcock County, particularly in terms of higher education. Nationally, educational attainment is also higher, especially for bachelor's degrees, pointing to a need for improved access to and support for higher education opportunities in Hitchcock County.

As of the most recent data, Hitchcock County, NE, had a labor force participation rate of around 62%. The unemployment rate generally hovers lower than the national average, often around 3%. Key industries in Hitchcock County include agriculture, with a particular focus on crops like corn and soybeans, and livestock farming, particularly cattle. Additionally, the healthcare and education sectors employ a significant portion of the labor force.

In comparison, the national average unemployment rate typically ranges between 4% and 6%, depending on economic conditions. Nebraska as a state often enjoys a lower unemployment rate, averaging around 3%, similar to Hitchcock County. Nationwide, the top industries usually include technology, healthcare, and retail, which contrasts with Hitchcock County's more agriculture-centric employment landscape.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Hitchcock County, Nebraska, is approximately $47,451. This figure is notably lower than the national average, which stands at about $68,703, and also below the state average for Nebraska, which is approximately $63,229.

Income Comparison Table:

The data reveals a significant income disparity between Hitchcock County and both the state and national averages, indicating economic challenges within this rural county.

As of the latest data, Hitchcock County, NE, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The overall crime rate in Hitchcock County is approximately 16.4 per 1,000 residents per year. Here is a breakdown of the crime statistics:

Hitchcock County remains a relatively safe area with lower-than-average crime rates, particularly in violent crimes and property crimes.