Lincoln
RANK #331 / 996 NAT · POP 322,063
1YR FORECAST: +1.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
Lancaster County, Nebraska, stands out for its unique saline wetlands, a rare ecosystem stretching along Salt Creek north of Lincoln. This east-central Nebraska county, home to the state capital, Lincoln, offers a blend of urban amenities and rural landscapes. Commuting within the county is generally efficient, with an average travel time of 19 minutes, and public transit options are available, including door-to-door rural transportation. The community provides extensive outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking on trails like the MoPac East and Oak Creek Trails to water activities at Branched Oak Lake.
Life in Lancaster County appeals to a mix of families and young professionals, many of whom own their homes. The public school system, including Lincoln Public Schools and Norris School District, is highly rated. The economy is diverse, with agriculture remaining a significant sector, particularly in the outer towns like Denton and Hallam, which feature grain elevators. Beyond agriculture, the county sees ongoing investment in infrastructure and technology, reflecting a broader economic evolution.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.4x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Sheldon Station Expansion (Princeton Road Station Project)
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD)
|
$1,500M | Planned |
|
Panama Energy Center (Solar & Battery Storage)
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (subsidiary)
|
$599M | Proposed |
|
Google Lincoln Hyperscale Campus - Phase 1
Google
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Lancaster Battery/Storage (Combined Projects)
Sophos Power
|
$450M | Planned |
|
Salt Creek Solar Project
Ranger Power
|
$230M | Approved |
|
Missouri River Water Pipeline
Lancaster County
|
$197M | In Development |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, Lancaster County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.1%, and median household income stands at $70,387 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in NE.
Housing in Lancaster County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $239,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $997/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Lancaster County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.6% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.1% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +4.2% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.72% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Lancaster County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.