Moving to Nebraska statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Nebraska?

An estimated 48,590 people moved to Nebraska in 2023, while 48,659 moved out. This represents a net loss of 69 residents. While the state was able to gain population in the form of international migration and natural births, it lost domestic migrants.

Though the Cornhusker State ranked among the top 20 best states to move to, it's not popular with domestic migrants. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Nebraska ranked as the 37th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Nebraska

With the 10th highest education and health care scores based on data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors, Nebraska ranks as the 14th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. The state also has a high economy ranking but falls behind in quality of life.

Of those moving to the Cornhusker State, the majority are choosing cities and towns in the east. Lincoln attracted the most new residents, adding 3,619 (1.2% growth) between 2020 and 2023. The eastern city of Columbus experienced the highest population growth, growing by 1.8% within the same period.

The top five cities people moved to in Nebraska between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Nebraska?

Many people choose to move to Nebraska for its quality health care and education combined with a stable economy. The median household income here is only slightly below the national median, while median home sale prices are over 30% more affordable. These qualities make it an excellent place to raise a family.

For young professionals and those looking to start a family, Nebraska’s cities offer diverse employment opportunities. The largest industries are trade, transportation, and utilities, government, and education and health services. Collectively, these industries employ over 51% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in Nebraska is information, growing at a rate of 7.6% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Nebraska housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $1,304 and a median home sale price of $293,100, Nebraska renters and homeowners can expect to pay at least 30% less than the national median for housing.

However, at 1.63%, Nebraska also has the seventh highest property taxes in the nation. The tax rate here is more than double that of 19 states, including California.

In 2021, the average property owner in Lancaster County — where Lincoln is located — paid $3,534 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in the Cornhusker State is higher than in other states but varies greatly by county. Residents in Sarpy County paid the most ($4,489), while those in Hooker County paid substantially less ($784).

Cost-of-living statistics in Nebraska

Nebraska’s cost-of-living index is 90.1, making it the seventh most affordable state in the nation. The median household income here is just slightly below the national median ($72,223), but low median housing costs make this income more appealing. The unemployment rate of 2.6% is also far below the national average of 4.2%.

Following the same trend of affordability, the price per gallon of gas in the Cornhusker State ($3.20) is also slightly less than the national average of $3.26. However, even with lower than average gas prices, Nebraska has fallen behind other Great Plains states on renewable energy generation. Despite the impressive potential for wind energy production, it only ranks as the 27th most green state in the country.

For would-be movers, Nebraska offers an affordable housing market and low unemployment — all without sacrificing your annual salary.

Who lives in Nebraska?

An estimated 1,978,379 people live in Nebraska as of 2023, making it the fourth smallest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 10,319 people compared to 2022.

Nebraska’s population skews slightly male, with men accounting for 50.3% of the population and women accounting for 49.7%. In 2023, 994,752 Nebraska residents were male, and 983,627 were female.

On average, Nebraska’s population is also slightly younger (37.4 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 512,213 residents, or 25.9% of the population.

White residents account for the largest share of Nebraskans, approximating 87.3% of the population (1.73 million residents). This is followed by Hispanic and Black residents, who account for 12.9% and 5.5% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Nebraska

Not sure how to start your move to Nebraska? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While Nebraska offers the seventh lowest cost of living in the nation, average costs will still vary depending on where you choose to relocate. Popular cities like Omaha and Lincoln have higher housing costs, while rural regions are typically more affordable. To prepare, we recommend visiting the Nebraska Department of Revenue website for insights into local property taxes, utility costs and more.

2. Explore the job market

With an economy driven by manufacturing and agriculture as much as it is by education and health care, Nebraska offers a wide range of job opportunities. Young professionals can find diverse openings in Omaha, Lincoln and other major cities, while rural areas rely mainly on agriculture. If you’re a prospective job seeker, consider exploring openings through the Nebraska Department of Labor online job portal.

3. Prepare for temperature extremes

Nebraska’s central location on the Great Plains allows both warm Gulf Coast air and cool Arctic air to impact the state. The summers are hot and dry, with temperatures regularly rising over 90 degrees, while winters bring cold, freezing conditions. We recommend investing in diverse clothing from warm winter jackets to tank tops. Homeowners should also ensure that their HVAC systems are updated and effective. You can stay updated on severe weather through the National Weather Service website.

4. Be aware of natural hazards

Nebraska’s landlocked location means residents are safe from hurricanes but should be wary of tornadoes. Peak tornado season runs from May through July. The mixing of hot and cold air also makes the state prone to severe thunderstorms and hailstorms. To ensure you’re prepared for any weather that might be thrown your way, we recommend visiting the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency website for preparedness resources.

5. Research transportation options

While public transportation in the form of bus systems are available in major cities like Omaha and Lincoln, most of Nebraska is car dependent. While the state’s toll-free highway system is well maintained, you should also expect long stretches with few gas stations. Keeping an emergency kit in your car is always a wise move. You can also stay updated on road conditions and public transportation options through the Nebraska Department of Transportation website.

6. Enjoy the wide-open spaces

Known for its endless expanse of prairie grass and cornfields, Nebraska’s peaceful lifestyle is complemented by countless outdoor recreation opportunities. From exploring the Sandhills to hiking around Chimney Rock, the state offers several hidden natural gems to explore. Embrace the slower pace of life and explore Visit Nebraska for outdoor activity ideas.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Nebraska, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.