List of Counties in Nebraska
Nebraska has 93 counties. The most populous counties are Douglas County (Omaha), Lancaster County (Lincoln), Sarpy County, Hall County (Grand Island), Buffalo County, Dodge County, Madison County, Scotts Bluff County, Platte County, and Adams County. Douglas County, where Omaha is located, is the most populous and serves as the state’s primary economic center. Lancaster County, home to the state capital Lincoln, is also highly populated. Most of the remaining counties are rural and rely on agriculture.
List of All Counties in Nebraska
- Adams County, Nebraska
- Antelope County, Nebraska
- Arthur County, Nebraska
- Banner County, Nebraska
- Blaine County, Nebraska
- Boone County, Nebraska
- Box Butte County, Nebraska
- Boyd County, Nebraska
- Brown County, Nebraska
- Buffalo County, Nebraska
- Burt County, Nebraska
- Butler County, Nebraska
- Cass County, Nebraska
- Cedar County, Nebraska
- Chase County, Nebraska
- Cherry County, Nebraska
- Cheyenne County, Nebraska
- Clay County, Nebraska
- Colfax County, Nebraska
- Cuming County, Nebraska
- Custer County, Nebraska
- Dakota County, Nebraska
- Dawes County, Nebraska
- Dawson County, Nebraska
- Deuel County, Nebraska
- Dixon County, Nebraska
- Dodge County, Nebraska
- Douglas County, Nebraska
- Dundy County, Nebraska
- Fillmore County, Nebraska
- Franklin County, Nebraska
- Frontier County, Nebraska
- Furnas County, Nebraska
- Gage County, Nebraska
- Garden County, Nebraska
- Garfield County, Nebraska
- Gosper County, Nebraska
- Grant County, Nebraska
- Greeley County, Nebraska
- Hall County, Nebraska
- Hamilton County, Nebraska
- Harlan County, Nebraska
- Hayes County, Nebraska
- Hitchcock County, Nebraska
- Holt County, Nebraska
- Hooker County, Nebraska
- Howard County, Nebraska
- Jefferson County, Nebraska
- Johnson County, Nebraska
- Kearney County, Nebraska
- Keith County, Nebraska
- Keya Paha County, Nebraska
- Kimball County, Nebraska
- Knox County, Nebraska
- Lancaster County, Nebraska
- Lincoln County, Nebraska
- Logan County, Nebraska
- Loup County, Nebraska
- Madison County, Nebraska
- McPherson County, Nebraska
- Merrick County, Nebraska
- Morrill County, Nebraska
- Nance County, Nebraska
- Nemaha County, Nebraska
- Nuckolls County, Nebraska
- Otoe County, Nebraska
- Pawnee County, Nebraska
- Perkins County, Nebraska
- Phelps County, Nebraska
- Pierce County, Nebraska
- Platte County, Nebraska
- Polk County, Nebraska
- Red Willow County, Nebraska
- Richardson County, Nebraska
- Rock County, Nebraska
- Saline County, Nebraska
- Sarpy County, Nebraska
- Saunders County, Nebraska
- Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska
- Seward County, Nebraska
- Sheridan County, Nebraska
- Sherman County, Nebraska
- Sioux County, Nebraska
- Stanton County, Nebraska
- Thayer County, Nebraska
- Thomas County, Nebraska
- Thurston County, Nebraska
- Valley County, Nebraska
- Washington County, Nebraska
- Wayne County, Nebraska
- Webster County, Nebraska
- Wheeler County, Nebraska
- York County, Nebraska
1. Cherry County
Overview
Cherry County is the largest county by land area in Nebraska, located in the north-central part of the state. It is bordered by South Dakota to the north and is known for its vast stretches of ranchland and the scenic Sandhills region. The county seat is Valentine, a small town that serves as the hub for ranching and tourism in the area. Cherry County’s economy is primarily driven by cattle ranching and outdoor recreation, with visitors attracted to the Niobrara National Scenic River and the nearby Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1883, the county was named after Samuel A. Cherry, a U.S. Army lieutenant. The area has long been known for its rugged landscape and remains one of the most sparsely populated regions in Nebraska.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 5,800 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Valentine
- Major Airports: Miller Field (Valentine Municipal Airport)
- Major Highways: US-20, US-83
2. Custer County
Overview
Custer County is located in central Nebraska and is bordered by Dawson County to the south and Blaine County to the north. The county seat is Broken Bow, a small town that serves as an agricultural and commercial center for the region. Custer County’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with farming and cattle ranching being the dominant industries. The county is also home to many historic sites, including the Nebraska State 4-H Camp and the Dismal River. Established in 1877, the county was named after General George Armstrong Custer. The area is known for its rolling hills and wide-open farmland, making it a key agricultural region in Nebraska.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 10,700 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Broken Bow
- Major Airports: Broken Bow Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-183, NE-2, NE-92
3. Lincoln County
Overview
Lincoln County is located in southwestern Nebraska and is bordered by Keith County to the west and Dawson County to the east. The county seat is North Platte, a city known for its rich history tied to the Union Pacific Railroad and Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show. Lincoln County’s economy is diversified, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. North Platte is home to the largest railroad yard in the world, Bailey Yard, which serves as a major hub for the Union Pacific Railroad. Established in 1866, Lincoln County was named after President Abraham Lincoln, and it has a long history as a transportation and agricultural center in Nebraska.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 34,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: North Platte
- Major Airports: North Platte Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-80, US-83, US-30
4. Holt County
Overview
Holt County is located in north-central Nebraska, bordered by Boyd County to the north and Wheeler County to the south. The county seat is O’Neill, a town known as the “Irish Capital of Nebraska” due to its large Irish-American population and annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Holt County’s economy is primarily agricultural, with cattle ranching and crop farming playing significant roles. The Elkhorn River runs through the county, contributing to its fertile farmland. Established in 1876, Holt County was named after Joseph Holt, a judge and government official during the Civil War. The county’s mix of agriculture, culture, and history makes it a unique part of Nebraska’s landscape.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 10,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: O’Neill
- Major Airports: O’Neill Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-20, US-275
5. Sheridan County
Overview
Sheridan County is located in the northwestern part of Nebraska, bordered by South Dakota to the north and Cherry County to the east. The county seat is Rushville, a small town that serves as a center for the county’s agricultural activities. Sheridan County is known for its vast grasslands and rolling hills, which support cattle ranching and dryland farming. The county also has historical significance as part of the Pine Ridge area, which was home to many Native American tribes. Established in 1885, Sheridan County was named after General Philip H. Sheridan, a Union cavalry officer during the Civil War. The rugged terrain and remote location give Sheridan County a distinct western character.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 5,200 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Rushville
- Major Airports: Gordon Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-20, NE-27
6. Keith County
Overview
Keith County is located in southwestern Nebraska, bordered by Perkins County to the west and Lincoln County to the east. The county seat is Ogallala, a historic town known for its roots in the cattle drive era and as a stop on the Oregon Trail. Today, Keith County is known for Lake McConaughy, the largest reservoir in Nebraska, which attracts visitors for boating, fishing, and camping. The county’s economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and energy production, particularly wind energy. Established in 1873, Keith County was named after M.C. Keith, a local cattleman. The county’s blend of history and natural beauty makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 8,100 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Ogallala
- Major Airports: Searle Field (Ogallala Airport)
- Major Highways: I-80, US-26, US-30
7. Box Butte County
Overview
Box Butte County is located in the western part of Nebraska, bordered by Dawes County to the north and Morrill County to the south. The county seat is Alliance, a town known for its connection to the railroad and agriculture. Box Butte County’s economy is based on farming, cattle ranching, and transportation, with Alliance serving as a key rail hub for the region. The county is also home to Carhenge, a quirky tourist attraction made from old cars arranged in the shape of Stonehenge. Established in 1886, Box Butte County was named after a prominent butte in the area. The county’s open plains and rural charm make it a quintessential part of Nebraska’s western landscape.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 10,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Alliance
- Major Airports: Alliance Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-385, NE-2
8. Dawes County
Overview
Dawes County is located in the northwestern corner of Nebraska, bordering South Dakota to the north and Box Butte County to the south. The county seat is Chadron, a town known for its connection to the Black Hills region and its history as a trading post. Dawes County’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and education, with Chadron State College being a significant employer in the area. The county is home to scenic areas such as the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area and Fort Robinson State Park. Established in 1885, Dawes County was named after James W. Dawes, a former governor of Nebraska. The county’s blend of natural beauty and history makes it a popular spot for outdoor activities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 8,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Chadron
- Major Airports: Chadron Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-20, US-385
9. Holt County
Overview
Holt County is situated in north-central Nebraska, bordered by Boyd County to the north and Antelope County to the southeast. The county seat is O’Neill, a city with a rich Irish heritage that celebrates its roots through annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Agriculture is the backbone of Holt County’s economy, with vast fields of crops and cattle ranches defining its landscape. The Elkhorn River runs through the county, enhancing its agricultural fertility. Established in 1876, the county was named in honor of Judge Joseph Holt, a key figure during the Civil War. Holt County is known for its strong farming community and Irish cultural influences.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 10,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: O’Neill
- Major Airports: O’Neill Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-20, US-275
10. Scotts Bluff County
Overview
Scotts Bluff County is located in the western part of Nebraska and is bordered by Wyoming to the west. The county seat is Gering, though the nearby city of Scottsbluff is the largest community in the area. The county is named after the prominent Scotts Bluff National Monument, a natural rock formation that was a landmark for pioneers traveling along the Oregon Trail. Scotts Bluff County’s economy is based on agriculture, healthcare, and education, with Western Nebraska Community College playing a key role in the local economy. Established in 1888, the county has a rich history tied to westward expansion and the development of the Great Plains.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 36,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Gering
- Major Airports: Western Nebraska Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-26, US-385