Best Cities for Retirees in Nebraska
Nebraska ranks #7 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 78.2. Papillion is its best city for retirees at 70.5.
- Nebraska, all states
- #7 of 50
- Population
- 25,244
Why Nebraska Works for Retirees
Nebraska ranks #7 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 58/100 is middling — life expectancy of 78.3 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. 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.
A typical home value of $280,673 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 78/100. 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 | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Papillion | A+ | 70.5 | 68.8 | 65 | 79 | 74 | 25,244 |
| 2Gretna | A | 68.3 | 65.3 | 70 | 87 | 69 | 9,193 |
| 3Bellevue | B+ | 63.2 | 61.8 | 56 | 63 | 77 | 64,510 |
| 4La Vista | B+ | 63.2 | 60.4 | 61 | 62 | 76 | 16,563 |
| 5Chalco | B | 60.6 | 56.4 | 61 | 69 | 78 | 10,595 |
| 6Lincoln | B+ | 60.0 | 60.2 | 61 | 48 | 78 | 294,856 |
| 7Gering | C+ | 58.6 | 55.6 | 52 | 50 | 88 | 8,550 |
| 8Omaha | B | 57.1 | 56.8 | 56 | 47 | 78 | 488,837 |
| 9Beatrice | C | 56.9 | 51.5 | 44 | 33 | 90 | 12,225 |
| 10Columbus | B | 55.4 | 58.3 | 48 | 48 | 86 | 24,488 |
| 11North Platte | C | 55.1 | 51.0 | 44 | 37 | 88 | 22,831 |
| 12Kearney | B | 54.9 | 58.3 | 58 | 48 | 84 | 34,246 |
| 13Fremont | B | 54.5 | 57.2 | 53 | 50 | 84 | 27,567 |
| 14Norfolk | B | 53.9 | 58.4 | 53 | 40 | 86 | 26,054 |
| 15Hastings | B | 53.9 | 56.7 | 49 | 41 | 88 | 25,008 |
| 16York | C+ | 53.9 | 53.1 | 49 | 47 | 88 | 8,141 |
| 17South Sioux City | C+ | 53.1 | 54.2 | 43 | 47 | 85 | 13,907 |
| 18Lexington | C+ | 52.0 | 53.6 | 42 | 44 | 87 | 10,862 |
| 19Grand Island | C+ | 51.3 | 53.8 | 49 | 40 | 85 | 52,884 |
| 20Scottsbluff | D | 50.2 | 45.7 | 47 | 36 | 88 | 14,376 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Nebraska for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebraska a good state for retirees?
Nebraska ranks #7 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 78.2/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (82/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (22/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Nebraska?
Papillion ranks #1 in Nebraska for retirees with a score of 70.5/100, followed by Gretna and Bellevue.
What factors are most important for retirees in Nebraska?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.