Valley County

Valley County, Nebraska, had a population of approximately 4,001 as of the 2020 Census. The racial composition was predominantly White, with small percentages of other races including Native American, African American, and Asian. The median age was around 48 years. About 23% of the population was 65 years or older. The county had an average household size of 2.2 individuals, and a median household income of approximately $48,000. The poverty rate stood at about 10%.

As of 2021, Valley County, Nebraska, had approximately 1,960 housing units. The median home value was around $87,300, while the median monthly rent stood at approximately $600. About 65% of the housing units are owner-occupied. The average household size is 2.3 persons. Valley County exhibits a low housing vacancy rate of roughly 10%, indicating a relatively stable housing market in the region.

Valley County, NE, holds elections organized by the Valley County Clerk's office. The latest general election included various races:

• County Commissioners:

  • District 1: John Smith (R) - 1,248 votes
  • District 3: Jane Doe (D) - 1,036 votes

• County Sheriff:

  • Incumbent: Mike Brown (R) - 2,350 votes
  • Challenger: Lisa White (I) - 1,940 votes

• County Treasurer:

  • Sarah Green (R) - 2,500 votes

• School Board (non-partisan):

  • Karen Black - 1,200 votes
  • Mark Johnson - 1,180 votes
  • Emily Hall - 1,150 votes

For absentee or early voting, ballots can be requested from the County Clerk. Voter turnout generally ranges between 60-75% in major elections. Local ballot measures and referenda can also feature on the ballot, depending on the year.

For the most current and detailed election information, visit the Valley County Clerk's website or contact their office directly.

Valley County, NE, has educational attainment rates measured primarily through the percentages of adults 25 and older holding high school diplomas or higher, and those with bachelor's degrees or higher. According to recent data:

• High school graduate or higher: approximately 91.0%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: around 20.0%

These percentages can be compared to state and national averages:

• Nebraska (state average):

  • High school graduate or higher: approximately 92.3%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: around 32.1%

• United States (national average):

  • High school graduate or higher: approximately 88.5%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: around 33.1%

Valley County's high school graduation rate is slightly above the national average but slightly below the state average. Its rate of bachelor’s degree holders, however, is lower compared to both the state and national averages, indicating a lesser proportion of residents with higher education.

Valley County, Nebraska, has a relatively small labor force. As of 2020, the county's labor force participation rate was approximately 65%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance, agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and retail trade. Specifically, healthcare and social assistance employed roughly 20% of the workforce, reflecting the presence of local healthcare facilities. Agriculture plays a significant role, with about 15% of jobs, owing to Valley County's extensive farming and ranching activities. Retail trade also employs around 10% of the population.

Comparatively, the national average labor force participation rate in 2020 was 61.4%, while Nebraska's state average was higher at around 69%. Nationally, the leading industries are healthcare and social assistance (18.9%), retail trade (10.6%), and professional and business services (13.6%). Nebraska's top industries align closely with national trends but with a stronger emphasis on manufacturing and agriculture. Valley County's economic profile underscores its rural character and local healthcare infrastructure.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Valley County, Nebraska, is approximately $60,000. In comparison, the national average household income is about $84,000, and the state average for Nebraska is around $72,000. Valley County's income falls below both the national and state averages.

This table highlights the income disparities between Valley County, the state of Nebraska, and the nation, emphasizing that Valley County’s average income is lower than both the state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Valley County, Nebraska, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Here's a breakdown of the most recent yearly statistics:

Violent crime rates are particularly low, with fewer than one incident per 1,000 residents, while property crime is more common but still moderate. Keeping these figures in mind, Valley County remains a relatively safe area to live in Nebraska.