Grand Island
RANK #335 / 996 NAT · POP 62,575
1YR FORECAST: +0.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
Hall County, Nebraska, is a regional hub in central Nebraska, with its county seat, Grand Island, serving as the fourth-most populous city in the state. The county is known internationally for the annual migration of Sandhill cranes along the Platte River, drawing thousands of birdwatchers each spring. Located about 90 miles west of Lincoln, Hall County offers access to major highways like Interstate 80, U.S. Highways 30, 34, and 281, facilitating commutes throughout the state. Outdoor recreation includes hiking and biking trails, camping, fishing, and various state recreation and wildlife areas such as Mormon Island State Recreation Area. Life in Hall County balances agricultural roots with a growing economy. The area's public schools are rated above average, with several districts serving the county, including Grand Island Public Schools. Recent economic developments show growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, with major employers contributing to stable job opportunities. The county has also seen an increase in educational attainment, with a rising share of residents holding associate or bachelor's degrees.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, Hall County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.1%, and median household income stands at $63,553 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in NE.
Housing in Hall County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $190,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $886/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Hall County are hiring — job growth of +1.1% — but the population is close to flat (-0.1% YoY). Home values moved +2.4% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.97% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Hall County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.