Omaha, NE
Population 488,197 · Nebraska
About Omaha, NE
Omaha is a major city located in Nebraska with a population of 488,197 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,708 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.3 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 Omaha features a median home value of $230,100, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Omaha in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,150, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 211,640 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (115,393 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (84,533 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Omaha shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Omaha have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
40.3% of Omaha 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 11.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 11.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Omaha Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Omaha, NE
Compared to national averages, Omaha has a median household income of $72,708 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $230,100, which is 6% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,150 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Omaha's income is 10% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 83% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Omaha, NE?
Omaha offers affordable housing with a median home value of $230,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,150/month, and a well-educated community where 40.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,708) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Omaha provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Omaha has a population of 488,197 with a median age of 35.3 years. Compare Omaha with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Omaha
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | 291,932 | $69,991 | $248,200 | 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 Omaha With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Omaha
What is the population of Omaha, NE?
The population of Omaha, NE is 488,197 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 Omaha?
The median household income in Omaha, NE is $72,708 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Omaha?
The median home value in Omaha, NE is $230,100, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Omaha?
The median monthly rent in Omaha, NE is $1,150, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Omaha?
The unemployment rate in Omaha, NE is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Omaha, NE a good place to live?
Omaha offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 488,197 and a median age of 35.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Omaha, NE?
40.3% of residents in Omaha 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 Omaha?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Omaha, NE: median home value is $230,100 (6% below national), median rent is $1,150/month, and median household income is $72,708. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Omaha?
The poverty rate in Omaha, NE is 12.8%, 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 Omaha, NE?
Omaha's population is 11.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 11.5% two or more races. 11.0% of residents are foreign-born.