Antelope County, Nebraska is located in the northeast corner of the state, bordering both South Dakota and Iowa. It covers an area of 548 square miles and is home to around 6,400 residents. See Countryaah – Counties in Nebraska. The county seat is Neligh, which is also the largest city in the county. Other notable towns in Antelope County include Royal, Orchard, Elgin, Clearwater, Oakdale and Brunswick.
The Missouri River forms Antelope County’s northern border with South Dakota’s Union County while its eastern border is shared with Iowa’s Monona County. To its south lies Pierce County while Madison County borders it to the west.
The landscape of Antelope County consists mostly of rolling hills and grasslands with some areas of wooded terrain located along streams and rivers. The county has several natural features including the Niobrara River which flows through the area as well as numerous lakes including Lake Alice and East Blue Lake.
Antelope County has a rich history that dates back to 1871 when it was first established from parts of Madison and Pierce Counties. It was named after a large herd of antelope that roamed the area at that time. Today, Antelope County serves as an agricultural hub for corn, soybeans, wheat and hay production as well as livestock raising operations for cattle and hogs.
Demographics of Antelope County, Nebraska
Antelope County, Nebraska is home to an estimated 6,400 residents according to the 2019 U.S. Census estimates. It has a population density of 11.6 people per square mile, making it the third least densely populated county in Nebraska. The largest city in the county is Neligh with a population of 1,918 while the smallest town is Orchard with a population of only 152 people.
The racial makeup of Antelope County is predominately white with 97.3% of its population identifying as Caucasian and 1.5% identifying as Hispanic or Latino origin. The remaining 1.2% of residents are African American, Asian, Native American and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
The median age of Antelope County residents is 42.7, slightly higher than the state’s median age of 37.7. The majority of the population is between 25-44 years old with 29.6% in this demographic while only 14% are under the age of 18 and 18.9% are 65 years or older.
The median household income in Antelope County is $50,397, slightly lower than the state’s median household income of $56,541 according to the U.S Census Bureau’s 2018 estimates. The poverty rate in the county is 11%, which is also slightly lower than Nebraska’s average poverty rate of 12%.
Overall, Antelope County has a population that is mostly white and middle-aged with a low poverty rate and relatively low median household income compared to other counties in Nebraska.
Places of Interest in Antelope County, Nebraska
Antelope County, Nebraska is home to a variety of attractions that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, historic sites, or cultural attractions, there’s something for you to explore in the area.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the numerous lakes and parks in the county. Lake Alice and East Blue Lake are popular spots for fishing, swimming, boating and camping. There are also several parks including Neligh Mill State Historic Site which is perfect for picnicking or hiking.
History buffs will enjoy exploring Antelope County’s numerous historic sites. The Antelope County Courthouse is a beautiful example of Romanesque Revival architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other popular sites include the Neligh Mill State Historic Site and Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge which was established in 1909 as a buffalo preserve.
Cultural attractions are abundant in Antelope County as well. The Niobrara Valley Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the area’s history through its exhibits and displays while the Antelope County Historical Society provides educational programs throughout the year. Music lovers can attend performances at the local theater or visit one of several art galleries in town such as Elkhorn Valley Artisans Guild Gallery or Orchard Gallery & Studio.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, historical sites, or cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Antelope County, Nebraska.
Notable People of Antelope County, Nebraska
Antelope County, Nebraska has been home to many notable people throughout the years. From politicians and scientists to athletes and entertainers, there are a variety of noteworthy individuals who have called the county home.
Politicians from Antelope County include U.S. Senator Tom Osborne, who represented Nebraska in Congress from 2001-2007, and former U.S. Representative Mike Johanns who served as Governor of Nebraska from 1999-2005.
Scientist Roy J. Plunkett was born in Antelope County and is best known for his invention of Teflon in 1938 while working at DuPont Company laboratories in New Jersey. Plunkett’s invention revolutionized non-stick surfaces and is now used in cookware around the world.
Antelope County has also been home to several professional athletes including football players Bob Brown, Dave Hestera, and Tim O’Neill; basketball player Mike Kelley; baseball player Jeff Suppan; track athlete Dan O’Brien; and golfer Jim Ahern who was inducted into the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.
The county has also produced several notable entertainers including singers/songwriters David Nail and Jake Owen; actors Stacy Keach, Jr., Eric Roberts, and Justin Long; comedians Zach Galifianakis and Larry Miller; television personalities Pat Sajak and Matt Lauer; writer/director Judd Apatow; producer/writer John Wells; producer/director Brett Ratner; animator Bill Plympton; musician Alex Skolnick of Testament fame; singer/actress Julianne Hough; and musicians Ben Kweller and Michael Stipe of R.E.M.
These are just a few of the many notable people that have called Antelope County home over the years.