Loup County
countyLoup County is located in north-central Nebraska and characterized by rolling hills and valleys, a landscape atypical of what many envision for the state. With a sparse population, it is one of Nebraska's least populous counties. The county was organized in 1883 and named after the Loup River, which itself was named after the Pawnee Loup Indians. Agriculture, particularly ranching, forms the backbone of Loup County's economy. The community is close-knit, with neighbors supporting each other, reflecting a traditional rural lifestyle. The county seat is Taylor, which is home to the Loup County Historical Society and the Taylor Villagers, a collection of life-size recreations of residents celebrating the town's heritage. Loup County offers outdoor recreation opportunities centered around the Calamus River and Reservoir. The Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is a key attraction, and the county's landscape, marked by the Sandhills, provides a unique natural environment. The Loup County Fair is a significant annual event, highlighting the area's agricultural traditions and community spirit.
Loup County, Nebraska
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 31-115
- Country
- United States
- County
- Loup County
- Region
- North-central Nebraska
- Total Area
- 571 sq mi
- Land Area
- 568 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2.8 sq mi
- Latitude
- 41.93
- Longitude
- -99.45
- Climate
- The terrain of Loup County consists of low corrugated flatland, sparsely used for agricultural purposes at present.
- Notable Features
- Calamus River · North Loup River · Calamus Reservoir · Sandhills
- Neighboring Areas
- Holt County · Garfield County · Custer County · Blaine County · Brown County · Rock County
- Population (2020)
- 607
- Est. Population (2026)
- 572
- Median Age
- 47.1
- Median Income
- $71,667
- Poverty Rate
- 6.92%
- Family Households
- 63.9%
- Owner-Occupied
- 79%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 87.54% White, with smaller percentages for Native American and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- County Board
- Governing Body
- County Board of Commissioners
- School District
- Loup County Public Schools, Sandhills Public Schools, Sargent Public Schools
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.9%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture oriented, both in farming and ranching
- Employment Sectors
- Agriculture
- School Districts
- Loup County Public Schools · Sandhills Public Schools · Sargent Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Mid-Plains Community College (Service Area)
- Transportation
- U.S. Highway 183 · Nebraska Highway 91 · Nebraska Highway 96
- Major Facilities
- Courthouse in Taylor
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area · Taylor Park
- Parks & Trails
- Taylor Park · Arboretum
- Founded
- 1883
- Incorporated
- 1911
- Named After
- Pawnee Loup Indians
- Historical Significance
- Loup County represents a traditional agricultural community in the Nebraska Sandhills.
- Key Events
- County organized in 1883 · Taylor seized county seat from Kent in 1883





