Loup City is located in Sherman County (of which it is the county seat), north of Kearney, between Ansley and Farwell along the banks of the Middle Loup River; near the Sherman Reservor.
The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 993, a decrease of 111 since 1990.
Loup City was the first permanent settlement in Sherman County which was named for Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman.
In 1878, the number of settlers increased and in 1886, the Union Pacific Railroad navigated tracks to Loup City. In 1887 the railroad, known today as the Burlington Northern, reached Loup City with its tracks.
Bowman Lake, a state-owned recreation area located one mile west of Loup City, has camping, playground equipment, drinking water, picnicking and restroom facilities. Swimming, row boating, hunting, and fishing are permitted.