Best Cities for Retirees in Nebraska
Why Nebraska Works for Retirees
Nebraska ranks #6 nationally for retirees, making it a top-ten destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (71/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 8.78% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Nebraska's health score of 71/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure β life expectancy here is 78.8 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.78% of income. The 5.2% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.54% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
The median home price of $289,000 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 68/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Papillion | A | 65.7 | 61.1 | 65 | 80 | 68 | 24,063 |
| 2 | Gretna | B+ | 64.4 | 59.1 | 70 | 86 | 65 | 9,117 |
| 3 | La Vista | B+ | 61.5 | 57.6 | 61 | 64 | 73 | 16,594 |
| 4 | Bellevue | B+ | 61.0 | 58.6 | 56 | 64 | 74 | 64,355 |
| 5 | Chalco | B+ | 58.9 | 57.4 | 61 | 65 | 71 | 10,625 |
| 6 | Fremont | B+ | 58.4 | 57.0 | 53 | 52 | 73 | 27,321 |
| 7 | Columbus | B | 58.2 | 54.3 | 48 | 52 | 82 | 24,188 |
| 8 | Norfolk | B+ | 57.2 | 56.7 | 53 | 44 | 81 | 25,962 |
| 9 | Gering | B | 57.0 | 53.2 | 52 | 47 | 75 | 8,567 |
| 10 | Lincoln | B | 56.6 | 55.2 | 61 | 47 | 79 | 294,750 |
| 11 | Omaha | B | 55.8 | 54.0 | 56 | 48 | 78 | 483,362 |
| 12 | Kearney | B | 55.6 | 55.4 | 58 | 45 | 72 | 34,024 |
| 13 | York | C+ | 55.6 | 51.9 | 49 | 48 | 78 | 8,114 |
| 14 | Lexington | B+ | 54.8 | 57.6 | 42 | 37 | 81 | 10,693 |
| 15 | Grand Island | C+ | 53.5 | 52.0 | 49 | 44 | 82 | 52,761 |
| 16 | South Sioux City | B | 53.4 | 55.9 | 43 | 50 | 73 | 13,871 |
| 17 | Hastings | B | 52.3 | 53.8 | 49 | 40 | 75 | 25,005 |
| 18 | Beatrice | C | 50.3 | 48.8 | 44 | 27 | 76 | 12,233 |
| 19 | North Platte | C | 50.2 | 48.6 | 44 | 36 | 75 | 23,030 |
| 20 | Scottsbluff | C | 47.7 | 45.9 | 47 | 32 | 75 | 14,406 |