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Loup County

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Loup 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

Overview
Classification
County
FIPS Code
31-115
Country
United States
County
Loup County
Geography
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
Demographics
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.
Governance
Government Type
County Board
Governing Body
County Board of Commissioners
School District
Loup County Public Schools, Sandhills Public Schools, Sargent Public Schools
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Economic Profile
Agriculture oriented, both in farming and ranching
Employment Sectors
Agriculture
Education
School Districts
Loup County Public Schools · Sandhills Public Schools · Sargent Public Schools
Colleges & Universities
Mid-Plains Community College (Service Area)
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Highway 183 · Nebraska Highway 91 · Nebraska Highway 96
Major Facilities
Courthouse in Taylor
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area · Taylor Park
Parks & Trails
Taylor Park · Arboretum
History
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