Editing Hamilton County, Nebraska

{{Short description|County in Nebraska, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county             = Hamilton County
| state              = Nebraska
| seal               =
| founded            = 1867 (created)<br />1870 (organized)
| seat wl            = Aurora
| largest city       = Aurora
| area_total_sq_mi   = 547
| area_land_sq_mi    = 544
| area_water_sq_mi   = 4.1
| area percentage    = 0.8%
| census yr          = 2020
| pop                = 9429
| density_sq_mi      = auto
| web                = https://hamiltoncountyne.gov/
| ex image           = Hamilton County courthouse, Aurora, Nebraska, USA.jpg
| ex image cap       = Hamilton County courthouse in Aurora
| district           = 3rd
| time zone          = Central
| named for          = [[Alexander Hamilton]]
}}

'''Hamilton County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] [[Nebraska]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 United States Census]], the population was 9,429.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton County, Nebraska|url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Hamilton_County,_Nebraska?g=050XX00US31081|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=June 19, 2023}}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Aurora, Nebraska|Aurora]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The county was named for [[Alexander Hamilton]], the first [[Secretary of the Treasury]] in the new United States government.

Hamilton County is included in the [[Grand Island metropolitan area]].

In the [[Vehicle registration plates of Nebraska|Nebraska license plate system]], Hamilton County is represented by the prefix 28 (it had the 28th-largest number of vehicles registered in the county when the license plate system was established in 1922).

==History==
The first permanent settlers arrived in Hamilton County in 1866.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=InM_AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA116|title=History of Hamilton and Clay Counties, Nebraska, Vol. 1|publisher=S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.|author=Burr, George L.|year=1921|page=116}}</ref> Hamilton County was created in 1867,<ref>{{cite book|url=http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=englishunsllc|title=Nebraska Place-Names|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Lilian Linder|publisher=University of Nebraska Studies in Language, Literature, and Criticism|location=Lincoln|date=1925|page=70|access-date=December 15, 2014}}</ref> and was organized in 1870.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/reports/hamilton_county.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715021902/http://nebraskahistory.org/histpres/reports/hamilton_county.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Hamilton County Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey|publisher=Nebraska State Historical Society|date=July 2009|access-date=December 15, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kancoll.org/books/andreas_ne/hamilton/hamilton-p2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030508235512/http://www.kancoll.org/books/andreas_ne/hamilton/hamilton-p2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 8, 2003|title=Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska|last=Andreas|first=A. T.|date=1882|website=The Kansas Collection|access-date=December 15, 2014}}</ref> It was named for [[Alexander Hamilton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nacone.org/webpages/counties/countywebs/hamilton.htm|title=Hamilton County|access-date=March 9, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080819191013/http://www.nacone.org/webpages/counties/countywebs/hamilton.htm|archive-date=August 19, 2008}} Retrieved on March 15, 2008.</ref>

==Geography==
The [[Platte River]] flows northeastward along the northwest side of Hamilton County, forming the northwestern boundary line with Merrick County.

According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|547|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|543|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|4.1|sqmi}} (0.8%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_31.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 8, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113024152/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_31.txt|archive-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref>

===Major highways===
* [[File:I-80.svg|20px]] [[Interstate 80 in Nebraska|Interstate 80]]
* [[File:US 34.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 34 in Nebraska|U.S. Highway 34]]
* [[File:N-2.svg|20px]] [[Nebraska Highway 2]]
* [[File:N-14.svg|20px]] [[Nebraska Highway 14]]
* [[File:N-66.svg|20px]] [[Nebraska Highway 66]]

===Adjacent counties===
{{div col|colwidth=33em}}
* [[Polk County, Nebraska|Polk County]] – northeast
* [[York County, Nebraska|York County]] – east
* [[Clay County, Nebraska|Clay County]] – south
* [[Adams County, Nebraska|Adams County]] – southwest
* [[Hall County, Nebraska|Hall County]] – west
* [[Merrick County, Nebraska|Merrick County]] – north
{{div col end}}

===Protected areas===
{{div col|colwidth=33em}}
* Gadwall State Wildlife Management Area<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gadwall+State+Wildlife+Management+Area,+Aurora,+NE+68818/@40.9402159,-98.0405615,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8799f156b2e703fb:0xfa29b0ca77bbb728!2sHamilton+County,+NE!3b1!8m2!3d40.919722!4d-98.0465185!3m4!1s0x8799f6bd4e2b95d1:0x33e973622d5f9799!8m2!3d40.9392112!4d-98.0369723 ''Gadwall State Wildlife Management Area, Aurora NE''  Google Maps (accessed 21 January 2019)]</ref>
* Nelson Federal Waterfowl Production Area<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nelson+Federal+Waterfowl+Production+Area,+Aurora,+NE+68818/@40.7600136,-97.9397668,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8799f156b2e703fb:0xfa29b0ca77bbb728!2sHamilton+County,+NE!3b1!8m2!3d40.919722!4d-98.0465185!3m4!1s0x8799e6730def320b:0x46a7ca106d1155d!8m2!3d40.7608128!4d-97.9368139 ''Nelson Federal Waterfowl Production Area, Aurora NE''  Google Maps (accessed 21 January 2019)]</ref>
* Pintail State Wildlife Management Area<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pintail+State+Wildlife+Management+Area,+Aurora,+NE+68818/@40.7864679,-97.9566363,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8799f156b2e703fb:0xfa29b0ca77bbb728!2sHamilton+County,+NE!3b1!8m2!3d40.919722!4d-98.0465185!3m4!1s0x8799e58cc6cde18b:0x64d929aa90a11a0e!8m2!3d40.7867868!4d-97.9524758 ''Pintail State Wildlife Management Area, Aurora NE''  Google Maps (accessed 21 January 2019)]</ref>
* [[Rainwater Basin|Rainwater Basin Wildlife Management District]]<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rainwater+Basin+Wildlife+Management+District,+Aurora,+NE+68818/@40.7237639,-97.9871328,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8799e8f568d03315:0xd631ed4af0a8b8d5!8m2!3d40.7242936!4d-97.9824471 ''Rainwater Basin Wildlife Management District, Aurora NE''  Google Maps (accessed 21 January 2019)]</ref>
* Springer Federal Waterfowl Production Area<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Springer+Federal+Waterfowl+Production+Area,+Aurora,+NE+68818/@40.8478156,-98.1309165,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8799f156b2e703fb:0xfa29b0ca77bbb728!2sHamilton+County,+NE!3b1!8m2!3d40.919722!4d-98.0465185!3m4!1s0x8799f2b13c64a6cb:0xc9454b974923a085!8m2!3d40.8463499!4d-98.1256635 ''Springer Federal Waterfowl Production Area, Aurota NE''  Google Maps (accessed 21 January 2019)]</ref>
* Troester Federal Waterfowl Production Area<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Troester+Federal+Waterfowl+Production+Area,+Aurora,+NE+68818/@40.7962319,-97.9333729,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8799f156b2e703fb:0xfa29b0ca77bbb728!2sHamilton+County,+NE!3b1!8m2!3d40.919722!4d-98.0465185!3m4!1s0x8799e5badea887c9:0x55d37f9f492e867c!8m2!3d40.7960258!4d-97.9279631 ''Troester Federal Waterfowl Production Area, Aurora NE''  Google Maps (accessed 21 January 2019)]</ref>
* Deep Well State Wildlife Management Area<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Deep+Well+State+Wildlife+Management+Area,+Phillips,+NE+68865/@40.8469843,-98.225217,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8799f156b2e703fb:0xfa29b0ca77bbb728!2sHamilton+County,+NE!3b1!8m2!3d40.919722!4d-98.0465185!3m4!1s0x87998de0071c630d:0xc8afc270f04669f6!8m2!3d40.8459334!4d-98.2199308 ''Deep Well State Wildlife Management Area, Phillips NE''  Google Maps (accessed 21 January 2019)]</ref>
{{div col end}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1870= 130
|1880= 8267
|1890= 14096
|1900= 13330
|1910= 13459
|1920= 13237
|1930= 12159
|1940= 9982
|1950= 8778
|1960= 8714
|1970= 8867
|1980= 9301
|1990= 8862
|2000= 9403
|2010= 9124
|2020= 9429
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=US Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=US Decennial Census|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=December 8, 2014}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=December 8, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ne190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=December 8, 2014}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=December 8, 2014}}</ref> 2010<ref name=QF>{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/31/31081.html|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=September 20, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607150138/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/31/31081.html|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref>
}}

As of the [[2000 United States Census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 9,403 people, 3,503 households, and 2,676 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|17|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 3,850 housing units at an average density of {{convert|7|/mi2|/km2|adj=pre|units&nbsp;}}. The racial makeup of the county was 98.43% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.18% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.12% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.22% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.49% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.56% from two or more races. 1.14% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 3,503 households, out of which 37.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.40% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.60% were non-families. 21.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.07.

The county population contained 29.10% under the age of 18, 5.90% from 18 to 24, 26.50% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,277, and the median income for a family was $45,659. Males had a median income of $29,238 versus $20,308 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $17,590. About 5.90% of families and 7.50% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.80% of those under age 18 and 5.40% of those age 65 or over.

==Communities==
===City===
* [[Aurora, Nebraska|Aurora]] (county seat)

===Villages===
{{div col|colwidth=33em}}
* [[Giltner, Nebraska|Giltner]]
* [[Hampton, Nebraska|Hampton]]
* [[Hordville, Nebraska|Hordville]]
* [[Marquette, Nebraska|Marquette]]
* [[Phillips, Nebraska|Phillips]]
* [[Stockham, Nebraska|Stockham]]
{{div col end}}

===Census-designated place===
* [[Overland, Nebraska|Overland]]

==Politics==
Hamilton County voters have long been reliably Republican. In only one national election since 1916 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate.
{{PresHead|place=Hamilton County, Nebraska|whig=no|source1=<ref>[http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS Election Results]</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|4,416|1,067|90|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|4,309|1,118|139|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|3,783|878|343|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|3,600|1,146|125|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|3,389|1,332|78|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|3,785|1,012|69|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|3,251|1,066|174|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|2,623|1,172|479|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|2,388|994|1,235|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|3,022|1,289|23|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|3,418|842|25|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|3,200|778|293|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|2,737|1,337|107|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|2,960|907|0|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|2,592|918|144|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1964|Republican|2,105|1,886|0|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|3,249|1,223|0|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|3,217|1,075|0|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|3,579|1,130|0|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|2,406|1,509|0|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|3,057|1,330|0|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1940|Republican|3,286|1,666|0|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1936|Republican|2,748|2,653|48|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|2,003|2,969|79|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|3,634|1,606|44|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|2,935|1,545|750|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|2,950|1,356|104|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,444|1,816|86|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|450|1,433|1,205|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|1,633|1,664|151|Nebraska}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|1,845|551|610|Nebraska}}
{{PresFoot|1900|Democratic|1,524|1,571|90|Nebraska}}

==See also==
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Nebraska#Hamilton County|National Register of Historic Places listings in Hamilton County, Nebraska]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.co.hamilton.ne.us/ Hamilton County Online]

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Hamilton County, Nebraska
|North     = [[Merrick County, Nebraska|Merrick County]]
|Northeast = [[Polk County, Nebraska|Polk County]]
|East      = [[York County, Nebraska|York County]]
|South     = [[Clay County, Nebraska|Clay County]]
|Southwest = [[Adams County, Nebraska|Adams County]]
|West      = [[Hall County, Nebraska|Hall County]]
}}

{{Hamilton County, Nebraska}}
{{Nebraska}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Coord|40.88|-98.02|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-NE_source:UScensus1990}}

[[Category:Hamilton County, Nebraska| ]]
[[Category:Nebraska counties]]
[[Category:1870 establishments in Nebraska]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1870]]