From Thayer County, businesses can reach the majority of east and west coast cities within two days. We are truly in the heart of the country and the ideal location for distribution, agriculture and manufacturing businesses. The cost of living and doing business here is lower than the national average (72%) which is an added benefit.
Thayer County is made up of 11 cities with Hebron as its county seat. Located on the south line of Nebraska, Thayer County is known for an abundance of natural resources, which are partially used for agriculture. The sloping rolling hills and beautiful tarain offer plenty of space for growth and expansion. Companies like Cargill Ag, Norder Supply Inc., and others have used the combination of our natural resources, strong workforce and affordability to grow their businesses within the county. For example, Reinke Manufacturing Company of Deshler started in 1968, selling pivot irrigation rigs. They now employ over 400 people and are one of the four leading irrigation equipment manufacturers in the world.
As of 2025 the population of Thayer County, NE is 5,071. The population is expected to shrink to 4,856 by 2030 - a growth rate of -0.86%.
The median age of Thayer County, NE residents is 46.
The diversity index of Thayer County, NE is 15.7, meaning that there is a 16% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Thayer County, NE is $85,669 and projected to be $91,902 in 2030. Per capita income is $36,610, projected to be $39,307 in 2030. 2.82% of households – 143 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $978,644 and the average disposable income is $65,720.
There are 2,510 housing units in Thayer County, NE; 1,705 are owner-occupied, 460 are rented, and 345 are vacant. The average home value is $201,125, with 60 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,046 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 383 businesses in Thayer County, NE, employing 2,925 workers and pulling from a labor force of 2,404 age 16 and above. 344 workers commute into Thayer County, NE from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
2,002 residents both live and work in/around Thayer County, NE. The average travel time is 14.2 minutes. 23.98% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 1.1% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 1,986 drive alone, 150 carpool, and 1 take public transportation. 112 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 155 residents work from home.
1,260 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 543 have associates degrees, 618 have bachelor’s degrees, and 247 hold a graduate or professional degree.
