What is the unemployment rate in Nebraska right now?
Updated Apr. 22, 2026Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in Nebraska was at 3.1% in February 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point increase from the month before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It's a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.
In February 2026,
3.1%
of the labor force was unemployed in Nebraska
February 2026 had a
+0.1
percentage point change from the previous month
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey to identify the civilian labor force, meaning people who are employed or actively seeking work. It counts part-time workers as employed. It excludes people who aren’t actively looking for work, such as retirees or discouraged workers.
In February 2026, the unemployment rate in Nebraska was lower than the US overall.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to February 2026
Unemployment rates differ within states due to various factors. Counties with many job opportunities and different industries often have lower unemployment rates. In rural areas or in places where industries are shrinking, the rate can be higher. Seasonal work in industries like tourism or farming can lead to unemployment rising or falling. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
What counties in Nebraska have the highest and lowest unemployment?
In Nebraska, Thomas County, NE had the highest unemployment rate at 5.5%. Dundy County, NE had the lowest at 1.9%. Douglas County, NE, the county with the largest labor force in the state, had an unemployment rate of 3.6%. The latest county-level data is from January 2026.
Unemployment rates in Nebraska counties ranged from 1.9% to 5.5% in January 2026.
Unemployment rate, by county, not seasonally adjusted
Unemployment rate, by county in Nebraska (January 2026)
| 1. | Thomas County, NE | 5.5% |
| 2. | Hall County, NE | 5.4% |
| 3. | McPherson County, NE | 4.6% |
| 4. | Dakota County, NE | 4.4% |
| 5. | Garden County, NE | 4.4% |
| 6. | Greeley County, NE | 4.3% |
| 7. | Saline County, NE | 4.3% |
| 8. | Johnson County, NE | 4.1% |
| 9. | Hooker County, NE | 4% |
| 10. | Clay County, NE | 4% |
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
