Lincoln, NE
Population 291,932 · Nebraska
About Lincoln, NE
Lincoln is a major city located in Nebraska with a population of 291,932 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,991 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lincoln features a median home value of $248,200, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Lincoln in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,045, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 126,403 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (67,338 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (53,360 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lincoln shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lincoln have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.0% of Lincoln residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 5.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Lincoln With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lincoln
What is the population of Lincoln, NE?
The population of Lincoln, NE is 291,932 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Lincoln?
The median household income in Lincoln, NE is $69,991 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lincoln?
The median home value in Lincoln, NE is $248,200, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lincoln?
The median monthly rent in Lincoln, NE is $1,045, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lincoln?
The unemployment rate in Lincoln, NE is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live?
Lincoln offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 291,932 and a median age of 33.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lincoln, NE?
41.0% of residents in Lincoln aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lincoln, NE: median home value is $248,200 (1% above national), median rent is $1,045/month, and median household income is $69,991. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lincoln?
The poverty rate in Lincoln, NE is 12.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lincoln, NE?
Lincoln's population is 5.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 4.1% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.