Cedar County Public RecordsNebraska

As of the 2020 Census, Cedar County, Nebraska, had a population of 8,380. The median age was 41.9 years, with 23.7% under 18 and 21.6% aged 65 or older. The gender split was approximately 50.2% male and 49.8% female. The county is predominantly White (95.8%), with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), two or more races (1.3%), Asian (0.2%), and Black or African American (0.1%).

As of 2024, Cedar County, NE, has about 5,800 residents and roughly 4,300 registered voters, with Republicans comprising over 75%, Democrats around 15%, and others/independents making up the remainder. The county holds primary and general elections for local, state, and federal offices, with recent turnout exceeding 65%. Polling locations include Cedar County Courthouse (Hartington) and select community centers. The Cedar County Clerk administers elections, addressing issues like mail-in ballots and voter ID. In the 2022 general election, Republican candidates won all county offices by margins of 60% or more.

Cedar County, NE, features 7 public schools, with 2 high schools serving the population. Approximately 92% of adults have a high school diploma, while 17% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average student-teacher ratios are about 12:1, contributing to strong educational outcomes—local high school graduation rates exceed 95%. The county prioritizes school safety with secure campuses and active prevention programs. Supplemental adult education and vocational training are available via nearby community colleges, enhancing career opportunities. Enrichment options include STEM clubs and FFA programs, supporting well-rounded student development.

As of 2022, Cedar County, NE, had an employment rate of approximately 61.7%. Leading industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (19.6%), educational services, health care, and social assistance (19.2%), and manufacturing (13.5%). The most common occupations are management, business, science, and arts occupations (27.9%), followed by sales and office occupations (21.5%). About 74.2% of workers commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 18.6 minutes, and most residents are employed within Cedar County or neighboring counties such as Knox and Dixon.

Cedar County, NE, has a high homeownership rate of approximately 81%, with median home values around $152,000 and median gross rents near $650. The housing market remains stable, showing a slight annual appreciation of about 2%. Most homes are single-family detached structures, though some multi-unit and farmhouses exist. Popular neighborhoods include Hartington and Laurel, known for their quiet, rural feel. Property tax rates average 1.30% of assessed value, with annual taxes on median-priced homes around $1,980. The area features affordable living, low rental vacancy rates, and an emphasis on owner-occupied housing.

Cedar County, Nebraska, maintains a low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported just 21 total crimes, including 2 violent crimes and 19 property crimes, according to Nebraska State Patrol data. This results in a crime rate of approximately 7.8 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively monitors and reports incidents, with community outreach programs contributing to public safety. Residents benefit from quick response times and strong neighborhood engagement, resulting in a safer environment than most rural counties nationwide.