Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lincoln, NE
Thinking about moving to Lincoln, NE? Home to nearly 293,000 people, Lincoln offers a friendly Midwestern vibe with affordable living—median home prices are around $263,000 and average rents just over $1,000. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 18.5 minutes and a strong educational scene, anchored by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. With plenty of sunshine (64% sunny days) and a cost of living well below national average, Lincoln blends city amenities with a welcoming, laid-back pace.
Demographics - Lincoln, NE
Demographics - Lincoln, NE
Lincoln, Nebraska is a vibrant city with a population nearing 293,000 and a youthful median age of 33.8. The community is predominantly White (78.3%) but also features growing Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and about 1 in 10 residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
292,657
Density:
3,180 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.3%
Black:
4.2%
Asian:
4.7%
Others:
12.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lincoln, NE?
Lincoln boasts a cost of living index of 92.1, making it more affordable than the national average, with median home values around $263,000 and typical rents just over $1,000. Utilities, transportation, and groceries also remain budget-friendly, making the city attractive for families and young professionals.
Median House Value:
$263,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
2.46%
|
High:
6.84%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
76.5
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
86.8
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
96.5
Crime
Is Lincoln, NE a safe place to live?
Lincoln experiences moderate crime rates, with a 1 in 272 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 35 chance for property crime. While crime exists, overall rates are in line with similarly sized U.S. cities, and many neighborhoods are considered safe and family-friendly.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
367
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,857
Crime Index:
3,224
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 272
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Lincoln, NE year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs near 88°F and cold winters dipping to about 16°F. Lincoln sees roughly 64% sunny days and an annual rainfall of just over 30 inches, providing a balance of sunshine and precipitation throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
30.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Lincoln neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $66,600 and a low unemployment rate of 2.4%. Most residents enjoy short commutes averaging 18.5 minutes and a highly educated community, with over 94% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$66,600
Family Income:
$92,500
Per Capita Income:
$36,200
Income Male:
$50,100
Income Female:
$41,500
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
2.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.7%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
39.1%
Education
How are the schools in Lincoln, NE?
Lincoln offers strong educational opportunities with well-rated public and private schools, as well as higher education options like the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Southeast Community College. Families benefit from a supportive academic environment and access to a range of extracurricular activities.
Public Schools
Name:
Lincoln East High School
Street:
1000 S 70th St
Phone:
402-436-1302
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Name:
Lux Middle School
Street:
7800 High St
Phone:
402-436-1220
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
Pius X High School
Street:
6000 A St
Phone:
402-488-0931
Students:
1,100
Colleges
Name:
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
City:
Lincoln
State:
NE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
23,800
Name:
Southeast Community College
City:
Lincoln
State:
NE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lincoln is strong, with major hospitals like Bryan Medical Center and CHI Health St. Elizabeth offering comprehensive services and emergency care. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% health insurance coverage, access to medical care is robust and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bryan Medical Center
Address:
1600 S 48th St, Lincoln, NE 68506
Phone:
(402) 481-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CHI Health St. Elizabeth
Address:
555 S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68510
Phone:
(402) 219-7142
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lincoln, NE?
The housing market in Lincoln is stable and affordable, featuring a median home price of $263,000 and a healthy owner-occupancy rate of 54.5%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, and rental vacancies remain moderate at 5.6%, making it a favorable market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$263,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Lincoln residents are served by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located downtown. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing and registration, with information and resources available online or by phone.
State:
Nebraska
Department:
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone:
1-402-471-3985
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.