RANK #480 / 1001 NAT · POP 62,536
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.
Hall County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +2.0% runs below the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 7.0x 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 1001 counties.
Hall County scores 52/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#480). Median household income is $69,251 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 Hall County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $224,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $943/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Hall County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs -0.2%. Home values shifted +2.0% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.82% 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.