World Population Review ranks Nebraska as the 7th most affordable state to live in 2024. The cost of living in the state is 9% lower than the national average.
Apart from affordable living, the Cornhusker State offers excellent job opportunities. The state’s job market is projected to grow by 0.6% in 2024. Moreover, the crime rate in Nebraska is 2.83%, one of the lowest in the country.
3 Reasons to Live in Nebraska 🌽
- Flourishing Job Market: By 2030, the job market in Nebraska will rise by 23%. Transportation, agriculture, and healthcare are the growing sectors.
- Affordability: The utility cost in Nebraska is 13% less than the national average.
- Excellent Education System: Nebraska’s education system is ranked the 7th best in the country.
7 Best Places to Live in Nebraska
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lexington | 10,360 | $175,360 | $7,555 | 2.00% | 45/100 |
| 2. | North Platte | 22,978 | $180,046 | $8,676 | 2.10% | 53/100 |
| 3. | McCook | 7,356 | $163,952 | $7,949 | 2.5% | 52/100 |
| 4. | Grand Island | 52,335 | $227,229 | $7,844 | 2.60% | 56/100 |
| 5. | York | 8,133 | $194,447 | $7,607 | 2.0% | 45/100 |
| 6. | Schuyler | 6,502 | $186,617 | $7,783 | 2.1% | 33/100 |
| 7. | South Sioux City | 13,814 | $196,908 | $8,568 | 3.5% | 52/100 |
1. Lexington
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.0% |
| Median Income | $29,576 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,555 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.00% |
Lexington is a perfect option for those moving on a budget. The median home price in the city is $175,360, which is quite affordable. Moreover, the cost of living in Lexington is 19% lower than the national average.
The city is ideal for job seekers, in the last few years the job market saw a growth of 11.50%. Lexington is known for its top-rated education system. The city’s Lincoln Public School is one the largest school district in Nebraska.
» Homes for Sale in Lexington, NE: Find your dream home in this affordable city.
2. North Platte
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.3% |
| Median Income | $29,576 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,676 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.10% |
The median home price in North Platte is $180,046. The city’s cost of living is 21% less than the national average. Also, North Platte has a booming job market, with an average annual salary range of $51,179.
North Platte has excellent connectivity and the McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport (LBF / KLBF) is just 5 miles away from the city center. Besides this, the city scores A+ in the air quality metrics.
» Homes for Sale in North Platte, NE: View the best properties in NP online.
3. McCook
| Home Value | ⬇️ 0.2% |
| Median Income | $25,495 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.5% |
The median home price in McCook is $163,952, which has gone down by 0.4%, as compared to last year. The cost of living in the city is 16% lower than the state average.
Moreover, McCook has a stable job market with an unemployment rate of 2.5%, less than the national average. McCook created 17,400 new jobs in the last few years.
The major employers in the city are Parker Hannifin, Valmont, Titan Machinery, and the McCook National Bank.
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4. Grand Island
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.0% |
| Median Income | $31,600 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,844 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.60% |
The median home price in Grand Island is $227,229. The cost of living in the city is 17% lower than the national average. GI is 10.8% cheaper than Omaha when it comes to housing.
Grand Island is ideal for job seekers, with over 60,000 employees. The city is home to big tech giants like BDO USA, Gavilon, Danaher, and Hornady.
» Homes for Sale in Grand Island, NE: Find the best properties in the GI neighborhood.
5. York
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.2% |
| Median Income | $31,111 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,607 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.0% |
With a median home price of $194,447, York is one of the best places to live in Nebraska. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $700. Also, the city is home to the prestigious York University, which is ideal for higher education.
The cost of housing in York is 25% lower than the national average. Moreover, the city’s job market is projected to grow by 8.56% in the next ten years.
The Cornerstone Bank, Mass Mutual, NEBCO, PRMG, and Cyclonaire are some of the major employers.
Try Nebraska’s #1 Mortgage Calculator to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free💲.
6. Schuyler
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.9% |
| Median Income | $33,070 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,783 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.1% |
The median home price in Schuyler is $186,617. The cost of living in the city is 14% lower than the national average. In addition, the city has a great educational setup. It’s home to the prestigious Franklin University and Concordia University.
Schuyler is home to big corporations like Cargill, CHI Health, Powell, and Homestead Bank. The city’s unemployment rate is 2.1%, decreasing at a decent pace.
» Homes for Sale in Schuyler, NE: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
7. South Sioux City
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.4% |
| Median Income | $31,818 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,568 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% |
The median home price in South Sioux City is $196,908. Healthcare costs in the city are 7% lower than the state average.
Little Chicago has a booming employment sector and is ranked among the top metro job markets. The labor force of the city is projected to grow by 20.3% in the coming decade.
Over the years, SSC’s economy has flourished in sectors like health sciences, transportation, construction, and retail marketing.
» Homes for Sale in South Sioux City, NE: View thousands of properties for sale in SSC.
Best Places to Live in Nebraska for Young Adults
Here are the best places to live in Nebraska for young adults:
- Omaha: The monthly average salary for a college graduate in Omaha is $10,676. The job market is projected to increase by 17.88% in the next ten years.
- Ralston: The average annual salary in the city is $39,707. The job market in Ralston is projected to grow by 17.96% over the next three years.
Bottom Line
Nebraska is one of the best places to live in the US due to its thriving job market and low cost of living. Other things that contribute are its excellent education system and vibrant city life.
The Cornhusker State’s current population is 1.9 million, increased by 3.8% in 2023. Moreover, the state is ranked 4th among the best states to live in the country.
In some cities, the median home price is around $175,360, whereas in cities like Grand Island, it can go up to $227,229. So, you must do your research before you move to Nebraska. To start your home search, browse properties online.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Nebraska’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes For Sale by Type and Style in NE
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Nebraska. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Nebraska and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Nebraska Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Nebraska for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best place to live in Nebraska?
Lexington is the best place to live in Nebraska. The city's cost of living is low and has a flourishing job market.
Which is the best place to live in Nebraska for retirees?
North Platte is the best place to live for retirees. The city has excellent connectivity and great climatic conditions.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Nebraska?
York is the cheapest place to live in Nebraska. The home prices and cost of living in the city are among the lowest in the state.
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