Scotts Bluff County Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Scotts Bluff County, NE, has a population of approximately 36,084. The racial composition is about 83.3% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.9% Native American, 1.1% Asian, and 10.9% from other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up around 30.7% of the population. The county has 14,467 households, with an average household size of 2.45 persons, and a median age of 37.8 years. The median household income is roughly $50,685, and 15.4% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Scotts Bluff County Housing

As of 2021, Scotts Bluff County, NE has a median home value of approximately $138,000. The county's median monthly rent is around $700. The homeownership rate is 65.8%, and the housing vacancy rate is 10.7%. The median household income is roughly $49,000, with around 18.1% of residents living below the poverty line. The area features a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and rural properties.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and local real estate listings.

Elections in Scotts Bluff County

Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska holds elections for various local, state, and federal positions. In the most recent general election, held on November 8, 2022, key races included:

  1. County Commissioner: District 1 had two candidates - Jacob R. Bethel (R) who secured 1,456 votes (65%) against Laurie Brueggeman (D) with 788 votes (35%).

  2. County Sheriff: Incumbent Mark Overman (R) won re-election with 12,352 votes (75%) against Dean Mentzer (D) who received 4,221 votes (25%).

  3. U.S. House of Representatives: Adrian Smith (R), the incumbent, received 16,014 votes (76%), while Mark Elworth Jr. (L) secured 3,987 votes (19%).

  4. Governor: Jim Pillen (R) obtained 14,321 votes (70%) versus Carol Blood (D) with 4,887 votes (25%).

Election turnout was strong, reflecting active community participation in the democratic process. Detailed information for specific local contests can be obtained from the Scotts Bluff County Election Commissioner's office.

How Educated in Scotts Bluff County

Scotts Bluff County, NE has shown notable educational accomplishments, although it lags behind some state and national averages. Around 87.6% of residents 25 and older have achieved at least a high school diploma, compared to Nebraska's average of 91.4% and the national average of 88%. Approximately 17.6% hold at least a bachelor’s degree, lower than Nebraska’s 32.2% and the national 33.1%. The educational attainment in the county underscores an opportunity for growth when compared to broader standards, suggesting targeted initiatives could bridge this gap. The county boasts several education centers, including Western Nebraska Community College, contributing positively to local educational prospects.

Scotts Bluff County Employment Rate

As of recent data, Scotts Bluff County, NE, has an employment figure of approximately 20,000 individuals. The county's top industries include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, education services, and agriculture. Healthcare and social assistance lead the employment sector, with significant contributions from major employers like Regional West Medical Center.

In comparison to state and national averages, Scotts Bluff County has a higher proportion of employment in agriculture and healthcare due to its local economic structure. For instance, agriculture occupies about 10% of the county's employment, significantly higher than the U.S. average, which hovers around 2%. Healthcare employment is also notable, given the regional medical hub, whereas nationally the industry employs about 14% of the workforce. Retail trade in Scotts Bluff closely aligns with both state and national levels, comprising roughly 12% of employment.

Employment statistics are subject to change and should be verified with current local economic reports for the most accurate and updated information.

Average Income in Scotts Bluff County

As of the most recent data, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, has a median household income of approximately $48,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Nebraska is around $61,000, while the national median is roughly $68,700.

Region Median Household Income
Scotts Bluff County, NE $48,000
State of Nebraska $61,000
United States (National) $68,700

Scotts Bluff County's median income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. This disparity reflects a broader economic trend seen in many rural areas, where incomes are generally lower than in urban centers.

Scotts Bluff County Crime Rates

As of the most recent data available, Scotts Bluff County, NE, has a mixed crime profile. The crime rate in Scotts Bluff County is lower than the national average in some categories but higher in others. The table below summarizes the types of crimes and their respective rates per 1,000 residents:

Crime Type Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crime 2.8
Property Crime 21.7
Burglary 4.5
Larceny-Theft 14.6
Motor Vehicle Theft 2.6

The overall crime rate in Scotts Bluff County is 24.5 per 1,000 residents. This suggests a relatively moderate crime environment with property crimes being the most frequent. Note that local law enforcement actively works to address these issues through community policing and partnerships with residents.