NebraskaPop. 294,856Big cities
Is Lincoln a Good Place to Live? Lincoln, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lincoln ranks #390 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #10 of 53 big cities and #5 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.4 min, #2 of 53) and low unemployment (2.9%, #4 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Lincoln by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lincoln'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 Lincoln?
Lincoln's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,086/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $293,764, 5% above the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Lincoln | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $293,764#358 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,308/mo#171 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $264,000#434 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,086/mo#306 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 18.1%#257 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Lincoln 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. Lincoln is in the Lincoln, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Lincoln safe?
Lincoln recorded 427 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Nebraska's 218. That ranks #758 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #21 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lincoln Police Department. Property crime runs 1,921 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lincoln | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 427#758 of 1,085 | 218 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,921#679 of 1,085 | 1,379 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Lincoln?
The median household in Lincoln earns $71,867, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lincoln | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $71,867#782 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 12.7%#712 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lincoln?
The median resident of Lincoln is 33.4 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #418 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lincoln | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 33.4 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 41.8%#418 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 56.1% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lincoln's schools and health?
Lincoln's 66 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $13,573 spent per pupil. 35.1% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Lincoln | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $13,573#757 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 35.1%#777 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 15.2%#289 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 41,518 students are enrolled in Lincoln's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lincoln?
The average commute in Lincoln is 18.4 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0.8% of workers take transit and 11.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lincoln scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.8°F and winters 27.8°F, with 29.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lincoln | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 18.4 min#215 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 73.9% | 75.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 3.5% | 2.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.9% | 0.4% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 11.4% | 9.7% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.7#209 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 35.6 | 14.4 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 40.6 | 18.4 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 53.6 | 28.7 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 64.8 | 39.2 | 2.7 |
| May | 75 | 51.2 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 85.2 | 62.1 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 89.4 | 66.7 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 87.2 | 64.1 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 80.1 | 54.3 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 66.6 | 41 | 2.1 |
| Nov | 51.7 | 28 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 39.4 | 18.2 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lincoln Airport.
| Measure | Lincoln | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 52.3°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 75.8°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 27.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 29.3 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lincoln Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lincoln?
Lancaster County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lancaster County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Lincoln | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#553 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lancaster County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lancaster County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Hail | 0.017% | 93% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.01% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0052% | 78% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0019% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 17% 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 Lincoln compare with similar-size cities?
Lincoln is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #10 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 294,856.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 min |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #369 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 | 36.8 min |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #537 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 | 22.3 min |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #261 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 | 25.4 min |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 min |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Gilbert, AZPop. 280,262 | #224 | 63.8 | $122,551 | $2,110/mo | 117 | 25.9 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 Lincoln compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Lincoln ranks #5 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 60.2 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 6% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above 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 Lincoln's score calculated?
Lincoln scores 60.2 out of 100, #390 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lincoln. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lincoln's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
65.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lincoln. Similar-size median 54.8.
60.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lincoln's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
53.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lincoln's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
78.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lincoln. Similar-size median 47.2.
48.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lincoln. Similar-size median 42.4.
53.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lincoln. Similar-size median 53.7.
53.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lincoln's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
66.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
63.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lincoln's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live?
Lincoln ranks #390 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #10 of 53 big cities and #5 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.4 min, #2 of 53) and low unemployment (2.9%, #4 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln?
Lincoln's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,086/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $293,764, 5% above the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Lincoln?
Lincoln recorded 427 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Nebraska's 218. That ranks #758 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #21 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lincoln Police Department. Property crime runs 1,921 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lincoln?
The median household in Lincoln earns $71,867, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lincoln?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,086/mo (Census), #306 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,308/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lincoln?
The typical home value in Lincoln is $293,764, up 3% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $264,000.
How are the public schools in Lincoln?
Lincoln's 66 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $13,573 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lincoln?
The average commute is 18.4 minutes, #215 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lincoln?
Lincoln averages 52.3°F over the year, 75.8°F in summer and 27.8°F in winter, with 29.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lincoln walkable?
Lincoln scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 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 Lincoln at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lancaster County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lincoln?
Lancaster County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lincoln?
Lincoln has 294,856 residents. The median resident of Lincoln is 33.4 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 41.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #418 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lincoln compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Lincoln ranks #5 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 60.2 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 6% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Lincoln?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lincoln's population of 294,856 are St. Paul, MN (#508 overall), Pittsburgh, PA (#364 overall), Jersey City, NJ (#369 overall), Durham, NC (#537 overall), and Plano, TX (#261 overall). Lincoln is #390.