KILGORE, Neb. - While the average family size in the United States has been shrinking for decades, the Amish population continues to grow—doubling approximately every 20 years. In Nebraska, the Amish population has surged by 65% from 2020 to 2024, according to research from Elizabethtown College.

One of the state’s newest Amish communities is taking root near the Niobrara River, south of Kilgore.

“We kind of like the West, so that’s why we came back out here,” said James Yoder, who moved to the area a year and a half ago after living in Michigan and Indiana.

The Amish are known for establishing new communities as their population expands. Yoder said that’s exactly what’s happening here. So far, nine families have settled in the area, but that number is expected to grow. He anticipates the community will reach a maximum of 20 families.

“If that gets full, we’re going to have to spread out to a new area and do that again. That’s probably what will happen,” Yoder explained.

While states like Pennsylvania and Ohio have historically been home to large Amish populations, Nebraska and other western states are seeing an increase in Amish settlements.

“The West is getting more populated with Amish communities,” Yoder said.

Like many Amish communities, this one is built on a foundation of faith, family, and hard work. Yoder owns Canyon Country Cabins, while other families operate cabinetry shops and saw-sharpening businesses. Farming and ranching also play a significant role in their livelihood. Though some modern equipment, such as tractors, is used, horses and buggies remain a common sight.

“There’s some general construction work and, of course, ranching. There’s a lot of interest in ranching,” Yoder said.

The community is steadily growing, with new homes and a school where children attend classes until the eighth grade, in keeping with Amish tradition.

“We’re very community-oriented,” Yoder said.

As Nebraska’s Amish population continues to rise, settlements like this one highlight a way of life deeply rooted in tradition yet constantly expanding into new frontiers.