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Oconto, Nebraska
Village
Welcome sign, windmill, sculptures (2010)
Welcome sign, windmill, sculptures (2010)
Location within Custer County and Nebraska
Location within Custer County and Nebraska
Oconto, Nebraska is located in Nebraska
Oconto, Nebraska
Oconto, Nebraska
Location in Nebraska
Oconto, Nebraska is located in the United States
Oconto, Nebraska
Oconto, Nebraska
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Nebraska
County Custer
Township Wood River
Founded 1887
Incorporated 1906
Area
 • Total 0.20 sq mi (0.53 km2)
 • Land 0.20 sq mi (0.53 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
2,566 ft (782 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 138
 • Density 679.80/sq mi (262.33/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
68860
Area code 308
FIPS code 31-35665
GNIS ID 2399555

Oconto is a small village located in Custer County, Nebraska, in the United States. In 2020, about 138 people lived there. It's a quiet place with a rich history and a strong community spirit.

History of Oconto

Oconto was first started in 1887. Its original name was Olax. However, there was another place in Nebraska with a similar name. So, the village was renamed Oconto. People aren't sure exactly where the name Oconto came from. Some think it was named after an early settler. Others believe it was named after a town called Oconto, Wisconsin. Oconto officially became a village in 1906.

Tornado Strikes Oconto

On October 31, 2000, a powerful tornado hit Oconto. It caused a lot of damage. The community center and several businesses in the downtown area were destroyed. About 40 homes were also damaged. Luckily, a Halloween party was happening at the community center when the tornado hit. Thanks to an early warning, all 19 children and 4 adults were able to go to the basement for safety. Everyone came out unharmed! In 2003, a new community center was built. Funds from the government and local groups helped pay for it.

Viewing a Total Solar Eclipse

On August 21, 2017, Oconto was a special place to be. It was directly in the path of a total solar eclipse. This is when the Moon passes right in front of the Sun, making the sky dark in the middle of the day. Hundreds of people, including tourists from other states, gathered in Oconto to watch this amazing natural event.

Geography of Oconto

Oconto is a small village, covering an area of about 0.53 square kilometers (0.20 square miles). All of this area is land.

The village is located where two Nebraska state highways meet: Highway 21 and Highway 40. It is also situated south of the Pressey Wildlife Management Area, a place where nature and animals are protected.

Population in Oconto

The number of people living in Oconto has changed over the years. Here's a look at the population from 1910 to 2020:

Historical population
Census Pop.
1910 245
1920 272 11.0%
1930 243 −10.7%
1940 260 7.0%
1950 258 −0.8%
1960 219 −15.1%
1970 155 −29.2%
1980 176 13.5%
1990 147 −16.5%
2000 141 −4.1%
2010 151 7.1%
2020 138 −8.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

What the 2010 Census Showed

In 2010, there were 151 people living in Oconto. There were 68 households, which are groups of people living together. The average age of people in the village was about 44 years old. About 22% of the residents were under 18 years old.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Oconto (Nebraska) para niños

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