NebraskaPop. 488,837Big cities
Is Omaha a Good Place to Live? Omaha, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Omaha ranks #588 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 53 big cities and #10 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (91.9, #7 of 53) and short commutes (19.6 min, #7 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Omaha by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Omaha'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 Omaha?
Omaha's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,187/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $296,615, 6% above the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Omaha | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 91.9#310 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $296,615#366 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 | $1,414/mo#267 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $245,500#382 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,187/mo#426 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 19.5%#391 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.
Omaha 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. Omaha is in the Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Omaha safe?
Omaha recorded 350 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 328 and 60% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #635 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Omaha Police Department. Property crime runs 2,795 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Omaha | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 350#635 of 1,085 | 218 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,795#913 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 Omaha?
The median household in Omaha earns $73,201, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Omaha | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $73,201#750 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 13.5%#765 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Omaha?
The median resident of Omaha is 35.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 40.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #460 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Omaha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.3 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 40.1%#460 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 57.4% | 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 Omaha's schools and health?
Omaha's 140 public schools graduate 81.5% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $14,723 spent per pupil. 37.5% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Omaha | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 81.5%#844 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 16.6#694 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $14,723#618 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 37.5%#978 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 10.2%#440 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% | 12%#875 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. 80,083 students are enrolled in Omaha's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Omaha?
The average commute in Omaha is 19.6 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 1% of workers take transit and 15.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Omaha scores 12.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.9°F and winters 27.3°F, with 31.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Omaha | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 19.6 min#311 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% | 71.8% | 75.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 0.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.7% | 2.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 15.1% | 9.7% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.1#464 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 | 33.6 | 15.2 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 38.6 | 19.3 | 1 |
| Mar | 52.1 | 30 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 64.1 | 41.1 | 3.2 |
| May | 74.6 | 52.7 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 84.4 | 63.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 68 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 85.8 | 65.6 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 79.1 | 56.1 | 3 |
| Oct | 65.5 | 43.2 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 50.3 | 30.2 | 1.5 |
| Dec | 37.7 | 19.8 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Omaha Eppley Airfield.
| Measure | Omaha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 52.4°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 75.9°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 27.3°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 31.9 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 Omaha Eppley Airfield.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Omaha?
Douglas County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 71% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Douglas County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Omaha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#661 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 Douglas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Douglas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Hail | 0.019% | 94% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0021% | 76% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0043% | 70% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 58% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.076% | 44% 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 Omaha compare with similar-size cities?
Omaha is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #17 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 488,837.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Mesa, AZPop. 511,764 | #717 | 54.7 | $82,752 | $1,620/mo | 424 | 24.7 min |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 min |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #681 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 | 27.3 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #1175 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 | 29.9 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 Omaha compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Omaha ranks #10 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 4% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 60% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% 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 Omaha's score calculated?
Omaha scores 56.8 out of 100, #588 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 Omaha. Similar-size median 53.8.
55.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Omaha's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
64.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Omaha. Similar-size median 54.8.
55.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Omaha's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
50.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Omaha's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
77.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Omaha. Similar-size median 47.2.
47.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Omaha. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Omaha. Similar-size median 53.7.
54.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Omaha's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
58.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
53.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Omaha'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 Omaha 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 Omaha
Is Omaha, NE a good place to live?
Omaha ranks #588 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 53 big cities and #10 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (91.9, #7 of 53) and short commutes (19.6 min, #7 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Omaha?
Omaha's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,187/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $296,615, 6% above the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Omaha?
Omaha recorded 350 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 328 and 60% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #635 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Omaha Police Department. Property crime runs 2,795 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Omaha?
The median household in Omaha earns $73,201, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Omaha?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,187/mo (Census), #426 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,414/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Omaha?
The typical home value in Omaha is $296,615, up 1.9% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $245,500.
How are the public schools in Omaha?
Omaha's 140 public schools graduate 81.5% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $14,723 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Omaha?
The average commute is 19.6 minutes, #311 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 Omaha?
Omaha averages 52.4°F over the year, 75.9°F in summer and 27.3°F in winter, with 31.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Omaha walkable?
Omaha scores 12.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #464 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 Omaha at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Douglas County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Omaha?
Douglas County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 71% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Omaha?
Omaha has 488,837 residents. The median resident of Omaha is 35.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 40.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #460 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Omaha compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Omaha ranks #10 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 4% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 60% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Omaha?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Omaha's population of 488,837 are Mesa, AZ (#717 overall), Kansas City, MO (#985 overall), Atlanta, GA (#481 overall), Colorado Springs, CO (#929 overall), and Raleigh, NC (#335 overall). Omaha is #588.