The first permanent settlers arrived in Hamilton County in 1866. Hamilton County was created in 1867, and was organized in 1870. It was named for Alexander Hamilton.
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, of which is land and is water.
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 9,403 people, 3,503 households, and 2,676 families residing in the county. The population density was 17 people per square mile. There were 3,850 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 98.43% White, 0.18% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.49% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. 1.14% of the population were Hispanic or 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 married couplesliving 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.
Hamilton County voters have long been reliably Republican. In only one national election since 1916 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate.
