Seward County
countySeward County, Nebraska, situated in the southeastern part of the state, is characterized by its gently rolling hills and fertile agricultural land. As of 2020, the population was 17,609, with a more recent estimate of 18,015 in 2026. The county seat is Seward, which proudly holds the title of "Nebraska's Fourth of July City" and "National Fourth of July City – Small Town U.S.A.". Seward County is part of the Lincoln, NE Metropolitan Statistical Area, blending rural charm with access to urban amenities. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Seward County's economy, with much of the land dedicated to farming, including center pivot irrigation. Key industries include manufacturing, education, and healthcare. Major employers contribute to a diverse economic base, supporting the local workforce. The county also benefits from its location along Interstate 80 and Highways 34 and 15, facilitating transportation and commerce. Seward County offers a blend of historical significance, community spirit, and outdoor recreational opportunities. From its well-regarded education system to its various parks, lakes, and trails, the county provides a high quality of life for its residents. The county's history is reflected in landmarks like the Seward County Courthouse and the Seward County Historical Society Museum.
Seward County, Nebraska
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 31159
- Country
- United States
- County
- Seward County
- Region
- Southeast Nebraska
- Elevation
- 1,598 ft
- Total Area
- 576 sq mi
- Land Area
- 571 sq mi
- Water Area
- 4.5 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.9064
- Longitude
- -97.0988
- Climate
- The county has a temperate climate with distinct seasons.
- Notable Features
- Big Blue River · Low rolling hills
- Neighboring Areas
- Butler County · Fillmore County · Lancaster County · Polk County · Saline County · York County
- Population (2020)
- 17,609
- Est. Population (2026)
- 18,015
- Median Age
- 37.9
- Median Income
- $81,122
- Poverty Rate
- 7.6%
- Owner-Occupied
- 74.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 94.1% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.0% from some other race, and 3.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 2.8% of the population.
- Government Type
- County
- Governing Body
- County Board
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.3% March 2025
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Diverse economy of many sizes of companies and types of industries
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- Hughes Brothers · Cattle National Bank and Trust Co. · Farmers and Merchants Bank · Norris Public Power District · Laminated Wood Systems Inc. · Progressive Sheet Metal · Department of Health and Human Services · Breeza Industrial · Briggs Feedyard Inc. · WestRock Company · Seward County Independent and Milford Times · Fehlhafer's Inc. · First Bank of Utica · Midwest Feeding Company · Tomes Industries Inc. · Volzke Corporation
- Students
- 1,471
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- School Districts
- Centennial Public Schools · Milford Public Schools · Seward Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Concordia University-Nebraska · Southeast Community College – Milford Campus · St. Gregory the Great Seminary
- Transportation
- Interstate 80 · Highway 34 · Highway 15
- Utilities
- Electricity Providers: City of Seward, Nebraska PPD, Norris PPD, Perennial PPD · Access to broadband (100 Mbps via fiber or cable modem): 74.0% (2021)
- Major Facilities
- Seward County Courthouse · Hospitals
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Smith Creek Wildlife Recreation Area · Meadowlark Lake · Plum Creek Trail and Garden Area
- Parks & Trails
- City Park · Plum Creek Trail
- Founded
- 1855
- Incorporated
- 1870
- Named After
- William H. Seward, Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson
- Historical Significance
- Seward County's history reflects the agricultural development and community spirit of the American Midwest.
- Key Events
- Originally named Greene County · Renamed Seward County in 1862 · County seat established in 1867





