Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Omaha, NE
Thinking of moving to Omaha, NE? With a population of nearly 500,000, Omaha offers affordable living, with median home prices around $242,000 and average rents at $1,160. Commute times are short (about 20 minutes), and the city enjoys 62% sunny days each year. Omaha boasts reputable hospitals, universities, and a cost of living below the national average, though property crime rates are higher than average. Explore the strong job market, community amenities, and vibrant neighborhoods that make Omaha a great place to call home.
Demographics - Omaha, NE
Omaha is home to approximately 486,000 residents, with a median age of 35.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a diverse population, where about three-quarters identify as White, 12% as Black, and 4% as Asian, with over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. This diversity contributes to Omaha's welcoming and dynamic community atmosphere.
Population:
486,051
Density:
3,370 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.0%
Black:
12.3%
Asian:
4.2%
Others:
9.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Omaha, NE?
Omaha offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $242,000 and average rent around $1,160. Everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and healthcare tend to be affordable, and state income taxes range from 2.46% to 6.84%. These factors make Omaha an attractive choice for those seeking value without sacrificing amenities.
Median House Value:
$242,000
Gross Rent:
$1,160
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,475
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
2.46%
|
High:
6.84%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
82.7
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
96.3
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Omaha, NE a safe place to live?
While Omaha provides many urban conveniences, its property crime rate is notably higher than national averages, with a 1 in 33 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less frequent, with a rate of about 516 incidents per 100,000 people, giving residents a 1 in 194 chance. Overall, crime prevention and neighborhood choice are important considerations for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
516
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,070
Crime Index:
3,586
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 194
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Omaha, NE year-round?
Omaha experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 87°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The city receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 62% of the year, providing a pleasant mix of outdoor-friendly days. Residents should be prepared for both snowy winters and humid, warm summers.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Omaha neighborhoods typically have a median household income of $70,600 and a poverty rate of 12.7%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is just under 20 minutes. The community is generally stable, with low unemployment and limited reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$70,600
Family Income:
$92,400
Per Capita Income:
$36,100
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$41,300
Poverty Rate:
12.7%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$1,160
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
19.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.5%
Bachelors or More:
37.6%
Education
How are the schools in Omaha, NE?
Omaha offers a range of educational opportunities, from well-regarded public schools like Central High to private institutions such as Creighton Preparatory School. Higher education is anchored by the University of Nebraska Omaha and Creighton University, both located within the city and serving thousands of students. This robust educational landscape supports learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Public Schools
Name:
Central High School
Street:
124 N 20th St
Phone:
531-299-2660
Students:
2,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Name:
Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School
Street:
14101 Larimore Ave
Phone:
531-299-2320
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4
Private Schools
Name:
Creighton Preparatory School
Street:
7400 Western Ave
Phone:
402-393-1190
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
University of Nebraska Omaha
City:
Omaha
State:
NE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
15,800
Name:
Creighton University
City:
Omaha
State:
NE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,400
Healthcare
Omaha is served by several major hospitals, including Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health, offering full emergency services and comprehensive care. With a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.1% and 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, access to quality healthcare is a local strength. Residents benefit from a range of medical facilities and specialists throughout the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center
Address:
4350 Dewey Ave, Omaha, NE 68105
Phone:
(402) 559-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy
Address:
7500 Mercy Rd, Omaha, NE 68124
Phone:
(402) 398-6060
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Omaha, NE?
The Omaha housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $242,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of nearly 59%. Renters can expect average two-bedroom rents around $1,160, and the market has seen a modest 5.3% price appreciation over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making it a favorable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$242,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,160
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Lincoln, manages licensing and vehicle registration for Omaha residents. Services can be accessed online or by phone at 1-402-471-3985, ensuring convenient support for new arrivals. For more information, visit the official DMV website.
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.