Nebraska
Nebraska ranks #8 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 75.3/100 and a A grade. Its strongest category is Education (84/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (22/100).
How Does Nebraska Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Nebraska
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 171 | Papillion | A | 61.1 | 24,063 | $109,602 | 51 | — |
| 239 | Gretna | B+ | 59.1 | 9,117 | $118,765 | — | — |
| 261 | Bellevue | B+ | 58.6 | 64,355 | $87,343 | 118.6 | 113 |
| 302 | La Vista | B+ | 57.6 | 16,594 | $78,145 | 61.8 | 111.5 |
| 303 | Lexington | B+ | 57.6 | 10,693 | $62,364 | 83.7 | 100.2 |
| 313 | Chalco | B+ | 57.4 | 10,625 | $81,427 | — | — |
| 333 | Fremont | B+ | 57.0 | 27,321 | $67,179 | 114.9 | — |
| 344 | Norfolk | B+ | 56.7 | 25,962 | $62,175 | 104 | 97.4 |
| 380 | South Sioux City | B | 55.9 | 13,871 | $68,397 | 206.6 | — |
| 397 | Kearney | B | 55.4 | 34,024 | $69,790 | 304.5 | — |
| 405 | Lincoln | B | 55.2 | 294,750 | $68,050 | 379.3 | 92 |
| 440 | Columbus | B | 54.3 | 24,188 | $67,212 | 123.7 | 88.8 |
| 458 | Omaha | B | 54.0 | 483,362 | $71,238 | 281.6 | 92.5 |
| 466 | Hastings | B | 53.8 | 25,005 | $61,202 | 298.1 | — |
| 490 | Gering | B | 53.2 | 8,567 | $70,244 | 35.7 | — |
| 557 | Grand Island | C+ | 52.0 | 52,761 | $62,439 | 411.4 | 87.3 |
| 562 | York | C+ | 51.9 | 8,114 | $62,632 | 121.5 | 112.5 |
| 675 | Beatrice | C | 48.8 | 12,233 | $54,583 | 130.9 | — |
| 689 | North Platte | C | 48.6 | 23,030 | $57,805 | 142.6 | — |
| 775 | Scottsbluff | C | 45.9 | 14,406 | $53,448 | 249.2 | — |
Best Cities in Nebraska for...
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Nebraska Rankings Overview
Nebraska earns an overall grade of A with a composite score of 75.3 out of 100, ranking #8 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Education (84/100) while its biggest challenge is Outdoor Access (22/100).
Economy & Employment in Nebraska
With an unemployment rate of 2.8% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Nebraska performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $73,423, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Nebraska
Nebraska's violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Nebraska
Nebraska ranks #15 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #9 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Nebraska is 78.8 years, and the high school graduation rate is 90%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Nebraska
Nebraska's total tax burden is 8.78% of personal income, which is above the national average of 8.74%. The top marginal income tax rate is 5.2%. The effective property tax rate is 1.54% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 6.98%.
Housing & Affordability in Nebraska
The median home price in Nebraska is $289,000, below the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 90 (where 100 equals the national average), making it a more affordable state. The price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Environment in Nebraska
Nebraska has a median air quality index of 34 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 34% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, an above-average share. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 48.5 (above average risk).
Growth & Migration in Nebraska
Nebraska's population growth rate is +0.7% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is -0.8 per 1,000 residents. 92.2% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Nebraska
The top-ranked cities in Nebraska based on our composite scoring are Papillion, Gretna, and Bellevue. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Nebraska.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nebraska's overall ranking?
Nebraska ranks #8 out of 50 states with a composite score of 75.3/100 and a grade of A.
Is Nebraska a good place to live?
Nebraska ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 75.3/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Nebraska?
The violent crime rate in Nebraska is 290 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Nebraska's economy compare?
Nebraska's median household income is $73,423 with an unemployment rate of 2.8%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Nebraska?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Nebraska are Papillion, Gretna, and Bellevue.
How does Nebraska rank for families?
Nebraska ranks #9 of 50 states for families with a score of 82.3/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Nebraska rank for retirees?
Nebraska ranks #6 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 78.5/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Nebraska rank for remote workers?
Nebraska ranks #9 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 67.8/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.