NebraskaPop. 10,862Towns
Is Lexington a Good Place to Live? Lexington, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lexington ranks #781 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #135 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230) and high graduation rates (95%, #13 of 153), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Lexington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lexington's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Lexington?
Lexington's cost of living index is 86.3, 14% below the US level of 100 and #71 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $966/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $202,545, 28% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Lexington | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 86.3#71 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $202,545#120 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,316/mo#177 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $159,100#104 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $966/mo#172 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.1%#163 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Lexington housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Lexington is in the Lexington, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Lexington safe?
Lexington recorded 79 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 76% below the US rate of 328 and 64% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #87 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lexington Police Department. Property crime runs 1,084 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lexington | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 79#87 of 1,085 | 218 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,084#257 of 1,085 | 1,379 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Lexington?
The median household in Lexington earns $67,666, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Nebraska ($76,376). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lexington | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $67,666#863 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 13.8%#789 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.6% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lexington?
The median resident of Lexington is 31.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 13.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1285 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lexington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 31.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 13.1%#1285 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 57.4% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lexington's schools and health?
Lexington's 7 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $14,074 spent per pupil. 43.7% of adults are obese and 13.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Lexington | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,074#691 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 43.7%#1261 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 13.9%#1067 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.5%#202 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 27.6%#1286 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,229 students are enrolled in Lexington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lexington?
The average commute in Lexington is 16.1 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0% of workers take transit and 0.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lexington scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.9°F and winters 28.3°F, with 23.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lexington | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 16.1 min#100 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5%#570 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 73% | 75.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.7% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 0.5% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9#835 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38 | 15.2 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 41.3 | 17.8 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 52.5 | 27 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 61.7 | 36.7 | 2.5 |
| May | 71.7 | 48.3 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 82.1 | 59.2 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 64.1 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 84.3 | 61.7 | 3 |
| Sep | 78 | 52.1 | 1.8 |
| Oct | 65.1 | 38.3 | 1.7 |
| Nov | 51.3 | 26.4 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 39.8 | 17.6 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Canaday Steam Plt.
| Measure | Lexington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 50.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 72.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 28.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 23.4 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Canaday Steam Plt.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lexington?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Lexington's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dawson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Lexington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#703 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dawson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dawson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.023% | 96% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.011% | 93% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.021% | 89% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 69% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0019% | 66% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 45% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Lexington compare with similar-size cities?
Lexington is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #135 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 10,862.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #781 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 | 16.1 min |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 min |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #465 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data | 20.5 min |
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #60 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 | 18.4 min |
| Cheat Lake, WVPop. 10,902 | #294 | 62.2 | $117,014 | $1,124/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Riverton, WYPop. 10,856 | #1179 | 45.8 | $55,208 | $921/mo | 817 | 14.5 min |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #49 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data | 19.2 min |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #42 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 | 17.2 min |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #734 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data | 30.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Lexington compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Lexington ranks #16 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 53.6 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 11% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 64% below the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Nebraska home.
| City | Rank in NE | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papillion, NEPop. 25,244 | #1 | 68.8 | $111,679 | $1,269/mo | 48 |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #2 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #3 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 |
| La Vista, NEPop. 16,563 | #4 | 60.4 | $81,961 | $1,317/mo | 67 |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #5 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #6 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #7 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #8 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #9 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #10 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 |
| Hastings, NEPop. 25,008 | #11 | 56.7 | $64,048 | $858/mo | 239 |
| Chalco, NEPop. 10,595 | #12 | 56.4 | $85,672 | $1,195/mo | no data |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #13 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 |
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #14 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #15 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #16 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #17 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #18 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #19 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 |
| Scottsbluff, NEPop. 14,376 | #20 | 45.7 | $56,359 | $966/mo | 672 |
All 20 Nebraska cities we track, by overall score. Nebraska statewide: median income $76,376, violent crime 218.4 per 100,000.
How is Lexington's score calculated?
Lexington scores 53.6 out of 100, #781 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Nebraska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lexington. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
28.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lexington's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
93.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lexington. Similar-size median 56.5.
41.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lexington's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
67.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lexington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lexington. Similar-size median 50.8.
44.2 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lexington. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
22.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lexington. Similar-size median 48.3.
43.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lexington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
47.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lexington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lexington has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Lexington
Is Lexington, NE a good place to live?
Lexington ranks #781 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #135 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.3, #16 of 230) and high graduation rates (95%, #13 of 153), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Lexington?
Lexington's cost of living index is 86.3, 14% below the US level of 100 and #71 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $966/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $202,545, 28% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Lexington?
Lexington recorded 79 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 76% below the US rate of 328 and 64% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #87 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lexington Police Department. Property crime runs 1,084 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lexington?
The median household in Lexington earns $67,666, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Nebraska ($76,376). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lexington?
Median rent in Lexington is $966/mo (Census), #172 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,316/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lexington?
The typical home value in Lexington is $202,545, down 1.6% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $159,100.
How are the public schools in Lexington?
Lexington's 7 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $14,074 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lexington?
The average commute is 16.1 minutes, #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lexington?
Lexington averages 50.7°F over the year, 72.9°F in summer and 28.3°F in winter, with 23.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lexington walkable?
Lexington scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Lexington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dawson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
Who lives in Lexington?
Lexington has 10,862 residents. The median resident of Lexington is 31.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 13.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1285 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lexington compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Lexington ranks #16 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 53.6 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 11% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 64% below the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Lexington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lexington's population of 10,862 are Orono, ME (#526 overall), Newport East, RI (#465 overall), Brandon, SD (#60 overall), Cheat Lake, WV (#294 overall), and Riverton, WY (#1179 overall). Lexington is #781.