Lincoln, NE
Population 291,932 · Nebraska
About Lincoln, NE
Lincoln is a major city in Nebraska with a population of 291,932 residents. The median household income is $69,991 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Lincoln is 33.4 years.
Housing in Lincoln has a median home value of $248,200 and median monthly rent of $1,045. Of the 126,403 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 67,338 owner-occupied and 53,360 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Lincoln is 3.3% and the poverty rate is 12.6%. 41.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.3 minutes.
How Lincoln Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Lincoln, NE
Compared to national averages, Lincoln has a median household income of $69,991 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $248,200, which is 1% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,045 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Lincoln's income is 6% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 97% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Lincoln, NE?
Lincoln offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,045/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 41.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,991) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Lincoln provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lincoln has a population of 291,932 with a median age of 33.4 years. Compare Lincoln with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Lincoln
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 488,197 | $72,708 | $230,100 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 64,355 | $87,343 | $230,800 | Compare |
| Grand Island | 52,761 | $62,439 | $202,600 | Compare |
| Kearney | 34,024 | $69,790 | $235,800 | Compare |
| Fremont | 27,321 | $67,179 | $194,400 | Compare |
| Norfolk | 25,962 | $62,175 | $199,100 | Compare |
| Hastings | 25,005 | $61,202 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Columbus | 24,188 | $67,212 | $198,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nebraska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lincoln
What is the population of Lincoln, NE?
The population of Lincoln, NE is 291,932 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Lincoln?
The median household income in Lincoln, NE is $69,991 per year.
What is the median home value in Lincoln?
The median home value in Lincoln, NE is $248,200.
What is the average rent in Lincoln?
The median monthly rent in Lincoln, NE is $1,045.
What is the unemployment rate in Lincoln?
The unemployment rate in Lincoln, NE is 3.3%.