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Nebraska State: Population, Rankings, and Facts

#24 in Overall Ranking out of 50 in 2021

Nebraska is a land of opportunities. The area is characterized by its peaceful atmosphere, old structures, big-money companies, and high living standards. Living here can be fun. The cheap cost of commodities makes it an excellent place for growing families. Education quality here is also sound. Aside from that, there are numerous attractions: Nebraska state parks, museums, and festivals like the state fair.

Updated: April 21, 2021
  • Area
    77,358 sq mi
  • Capital
    Lincoln
  • Population
    1,934,408
  • Income
    $59,970
  • Home Value
    $192,584
  • Crime
    5,821
  • Unemployment
    3.4%
  • Education
    30.6%
  • Medicine
    20
  • Poverty
    10.6%
  • Environment
    0
  • Infrastructure
    6.40%

Nebraska is the 16th-largest state in the U.S. The natives of Omaha, Sioux, Pawnee, and Otoe tribes were the first to settle there. Long after that, the Europeans (Spain and France) arrived and established the area to be a thriving trade zone. 

Two years after the Civil War, on March 1, 1867, NE became the 37th state of the United States of America. The initial capital was Omaha. However, in 1869, the government moved the administrative seat to a more central region – Lancaster (renamed Lincoln City). The province has got two official nicknames: the Tree Planter State and The Cornhusker State.

The province has a popular history of voting Republican presidents (since 1968). Some other aspects of its politics also make it famous: it is the only region in the United States that practices unicameral legislature. It does not require an individual to have political affiliations when vying for senate elections.

The economy of Neb. is driven mainly by agriculture. Also, several other sectors contribute substantially to the GDP of the province. They include manufacturing, IT, and insurance industries. The region hosts numerous multi-million dollar companies. A few of them are InfoUSA, West Corporation, Union Pacific Railroad, Duncan Aviation, and Hudl are based in Lincoln. Other notable mentions are Kawasaki Motors, Hornady, and Berkshire Hathaway.

How We Figured Out Which Were the Best States To Live in

To figure out the best states to reside in in 2021, data was sought from several sources: the National Census Bureau, departments of health, FBI, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and several other government agencies. 

The data gathered was then grouped into ten measurable metrics. These indicators cover population density and distribution, demography, education ranking, quality of healthcare, unemployment, etc. The various American states were then graded and ranked according to the performance, compiling comprehensive research.

Nebraska Rankings

  • Population
    #37
    Population
    Data: 1,934,408

    According to 2019 estimates from the National Census Bureau, the territory has only 24.9 residents per square mile. 79% of the Nebraska population are White, 4.7% Black, while 2.4 % and 11% are Asian and Hispanic. The most populous cities in the region are Omaha, with about 478,192 residents and Lincoln (258,794).

  • Median Income
    #43
    Income in $
    Data: $59,970

    NE has a median income below the national figure ($68,703). Coupled with that, the tax rates in the area are pretty high. The property tax (1.65%), corporate income tax (7.81%), and individual tax (6.84%) are among the country's highest. However, the sales tax (5.5%) is low and budget-friendly.

  • Home Value
    #37
    Home Value
    Data: $192,584

    The cost of housing is among the cheapest in the United States. However, the market value of homes here is progressively increasing. It rose by 8.1% within the past year. Here, the median gross rent of $833 is lower than the national median ($1,097). The most expensive cities are Papillion, Omaha, and Bennington.

  • Unemployment Rate
    #3
    Unemployment
    Data: 3.4%

    The Nebraska unemployment rate is the 3rd-lowest in the country. In total, there are only about 35,000 unemployed people in the region. The health and industries are the highest employers of labor in NE. The state also has several multinational companies, including Union Pacific Corporation and Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

  • Poverty
    #14
    Poverty
    Data: 10.6%

    Nebraskans generally have a high standard of living. Most (89.4%) of the population are above the poverty line. Altogether, about 204,000 poor people are living in the region. 61% of Nebraskans are house owners and have an average of 2 cars in a family. Plus, there are about 40,549 millionaire households here.

  • Education
    #21
    Education
    Data: 30.6%

    With the likes of Maine (#22; 30.3%), and Pennsylvania (#23; 30.1%), NE education ranks average. Only about 422,000 Nebraskans have a bachelor's degree. The region has no public university in the top 50 American tertiary institutions. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is one of the best in the U.S.

  • Medicine
    #16
    Medicine
    Health Outcomes: 20

    Generally, Nebraskans are healthy people, and they enjoy quality healthcare services. The health sector has an excellent record of successful medical interventions. Likewise, most of the population have an impressive behavior and social-health rating. The health system enjoys generous government funding. According to the 2020 and 2021 budget proposal, $1,475 per capita was allotted to public welfare and health.

  • Crime Rate
    #22
    Crime
    Violent Crime: 5,821

    This region is relatively peaceful. The most prevalent crime in the area is rape (64.8 victims per 100,000 people), motor vehicle theft (4,985 reported cases), and larceny-theft (29,719 occurrences). The most unsafe cities in the territory are Omaha, North Platte, and Lincoln City. On the other hand, they are the safest areas to live in NE.

  • Natural Environment
    #5
    Environment
    Air: 0

    The state has one of the most healthy environments in the country. It ranks top alongside North and South Dakota (#1 & #2), Delaware (#3), and Hawaii (#4) as it records a remarkably low pollution rate. Notably, there are no reported cases of air or pesticide pollution. The territory, however, hosts a serene ambiance and has several state parks and nature reserves.

  • Infrastructure
    #32
    Infrastructure
    Poor Roads: 6.40%

    Though the Nebraska road conditions and bridges are sound, its national rankings seem to suggest otherwise. That is a reflection of the high infrastructure standards in the U.S. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reports 15,332 bridges and 3,117 miles of rail in the state. Most of these are in good working conditions.

Nebraska Facts

  • The official Nebraska abbreviation is NE. However, people also use the traditional short-form, Neb.
  • The motto of the province is “Equality before the law.”
  • The state flag has a blue background with its logo imprinted at the center.
  • NE adopted its logo (otherwise called the great seal) in 1867, and in 1927, it was added to the province’s flag design.
  • The official state flower of the province is Solidago.
  • On the map, there are 93 counties and 580 zip codes. Cherry County is the largest (600 square miles), while Douglas (560,617) and Lancaster (313,158) counties have the highest census.
  • The territory hosts three Fortune 500 companies and three billionaires: Warren Buffett ($97.6 billion), Walter Scott Jr ($2.9 billion), and Henry Davies ($1.1 billion).
  • The gun laws do not require individuals to acquire a permit before purchasing a firearm. Nebraskans are expected to hold a license for a concealed short-gun.
  • About 12.8% of Nebraskans (between ages 0 and 64) do not have a health insurance cover.
  • Every individual 16 years of age or older requires a fishing license to engage in fishing. The licenses are available in types based on the permit duration: a year, multiple years, or days. 
  • There are seven public and 20 private colleges and universities in NE. Plus, it hosts 12 cosmetology and massage schools.
  • Fort Atkinson, NE, has the only museum dedicated to Fur trading. It has over 6,000 original artifacts, which reveals the rich history of the North American trade. Some of the pieces date back to 1775.

Nebraska in Photos

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FAQ Section

  • Where Is Nebraska?

    Nebraska is located in the Midwestern part of the U.S. map. Several other American states surround it. On the northern side, it shares a border with South Dakota.

    Iowa lies on the eastern side while Kansas sits on the south. Missouri is its neighbor on the southeastern side and Colorado by the southwest. On the west, it shares boundaries with Wyoming.

  • What is the Time Zone in NE?

    The entire territory separates into two time zones: the Central and Mountain Time. The western end of the region uses the Central Time Zone (GMT -6). This area covers counties like Lincoln County, the eastern part of Cherry, Custer, and McPherson district.

    The other parts of the province use the Mountain Time zone (GMT -7). Such areas include the western part of Chery county, Sheridan, Chase, and Garden counties.

  • What Is Minimum Wage in the Cornhusker State?

    The base pay for workers in NE is $9 per hour. Thus, a minimum wage earner will receive $360.00 per for a 40-hour workweek. In a month, that equals $1,440 and $18,720 for a year.

  • What To Do in Nebraska?

    Tourists and residents have numerous options from which they can choose:

    • Visit Sunken or Lauritzen gardens or any other national conservation area to connect with and appreciate nature.
    • Art and history lovers would like to stop by the Durham or Joslyn Art Museum, pioneer courage park, etc.
    • Go on a fun adventure by driving on the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument.
    • Shop at the Old Market, Omaha.

  • What Is Nebraska Known for?

    It is famous for several reasons. First, it is known to produce agricultural products like corn, soybeans, cattle, hogs, milk, egg, etc. Politics-wise, it is the only American state that uses the unicameral legislative structure.

    The region is also famous for its natural endowments: chimney rock, Ogallala aquifer (U.S.’s largest underground lake), Lied jungle, and the limestone reserve in Deep Water. The area hosts some notable Americans like Warren Buffett and Gerald Ford, etc.