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Dixon County, Nebraska facts for kids

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Dixon County
Dixon County courthouse in Ponca
Dixon County courthouse in Ponca
Map of Nebraska highlighting Dixon County
Location within the U.S. state of Nebraska
Map of the United States highlighting Nebraska
Nebraska's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Nebraska
Founded 1856 (authorized)
1858 (organized)
Seat Ponca
Largest city Wakefield
Area
 • Total 483 sq mi (1,250 km2)
 • Land 476 sq mi (1,230 km2)
 • Water 6.7 sq mi (17 km2)  1.4%%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 5,606
 • Estimate 
(2022)
5,464 Decrease
 • Density 11.607/sq mi (4.481/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district 3rd

Dixon County is a county in the state of Nebraska, USA. It is located in the northeastern part of the state. In 2020, about 5,606 people lived there. The main town and county seat is Ponca.

The county was officially formed in 1856 and got organized in 1858. Dixon County is also part of the Sioux City metropolitan area, which includes parts of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. If you see a Nebraska license plate with the number 35, it means the vehicle is from Dixon County!

A Look Back in Time

Dixon County was created in 1856. It was named after an early settler in the area. The county officially started operating in 1858.

Where is Dixon County?

Dixon County is in the northeast corner of Nebraska. The Missouri River forms its northern border, separating it from South Dakota. The county covers about 483 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

Main Roads You Might See

These are some of the important highways that go through Dixon County:

  • US 20.svg U.S. Highway 20
  • N-9.svg Nebraska Highway 9
  • N-12.svg Nebraska Highway 12
  • N-15.svg Nebraska Highway 15
  • N-35.svg Nebraska Highway 35
  • N-116.svg Nebraska Highway 116

Special Natural Areas

Dixon County has some beautiful natural spots. These areas help protect nature and offer places for people to visit.

National Protected Area

  • Missouri National Recreational River (part) - This area protects a section of the Missouri River.

State Protected Areas

  • Buckskin Hills State Wildlife Management Area
  • Ponca State Park - A popular park for outdoor activities.
  • Tarbox Hollow Living Prairie

Neighboring Counties

Dixon County shares its borders with these other counties:

Who Lives in Dixon County?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1860 274
1870 1,345 390.9%
1880 4,177 210.6%
1890 8,084 93.5%
1900 10,535 30.3%
1910 11,477 8.9%
1920 11,815 2.9%
1930 11,586 −1.9%
1940 10,413 −10.1%
1950 9,129 −12.3%
1960 8,106 −11.2%
1970 7,453 −8.1%
1980 7,137 −4.2%
1990 6,143 −13.9%
2000 6,339 3.2%
2010 6,000 −5.3%
2020 5,606 −6.6%
2022 (est.) 5,464 −8.9%
US Decennial Census
1790-1960 1900-1990
1990-2000 2010 2020 2022

In 2020, the population of Dixon County was 5,606 people. The county has seen its population change over the years. Many different people and families make their homes here.

Towns and Villages

Dixon County has several communities where people live, work, and go to school.

Cities

  • Ponca (This is the county seat, meaning it's where the county government is located.)
  • Wakefield

Villages

Unincorporated Community

  • Lime Grove (This is a small community without its own local government.)

Townships

Townships are smaller areas within the county, often used for local administration.

  • Clark
  • Concord
  • Daily
  • Emerson
  • Galena
  • Hooker
  • Logan
  • Newcastle
  • Ottercreek
  • Ponca
  • Silvercreek
  • Springbank
  • Wakefield

Schools in Dixon County

Students in Dixon County attend schools in these districts:

  • Allen Consolidated Schools
  • Emerson-Hubbard Public Schools
  • Hartington Newcastle Public Schools
  • Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School
  • Ponca Public Schools
  • Wakefield Public Schools
  • Wayne Community Schools
  • Wynot Public Schools

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Dixon para niños

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