Omaha
RANK #414 / 996 NAT · POP 582,638
1YR FORECAST: +1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Douglas County, Nebraska, is perhaps best known as home to Omaha, the state's largest city and a significant economic and cultural hub. Situated along the Missouri River on the eastern edge of Nebraska, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and accessible outdoor spaces. Commutes within Omaha average around 20 minutes, with public transportation options including bus services and a modern streetcar in downtown Omaha. The community provides numerous parks, such as Fontenelle Forest and Standing Bear Lake, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and water sports.
Life in Douglas County attracts families and young professionals, with many residents owning their homes. The public school systems, including Elkhorn, Millard, and Westside Public Schools, are recognized for their quality. The economy is diverse, with strong sectors in finance, insurance, healthcare, and technology. Major investments are flowing into commercial and residential developments, as well as data centers and energy projects, contributing to a stable economic picture.
Well below national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.2x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Google Data Center Campus (Northwest Omaha)
Google (Fireball Group LLC)
|
$1,200M | Operating |
|
Douglas Battery/Storage (250 MW)
Undisclosed
|
$250M | Planned |
|
Kansas Sky Energy Center (Solar Farm)
Evergy with designs by Savion LLC
|
$159M | Planned |
|
Standing Bear Lake Station (Natural Gas Plant)
Omaha Public Power District (OPPD)
|
$150M | Under Construction |
|
North Omaha Airport Business Park & Multipurpose Community Center
City of Omaha, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
|
$124M | Planned |
|
Douglas Battery/Storage (100 MW)
Undisclosed
|
$100M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Douglas County scores 58/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#414). Median household income is $76,083 and job growth is running at -0.2%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Douglas County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $227,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $1,109/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Douglas County's population is growing — up +0.7% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.2%). Home values shifted +1.0% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.18% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Douglas County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.