Nebraska, known for its vast prairies and friendly Midwestern charm, offers a unique blend of affordability and quality of life. Let’s explore key aspects of living in the Cornhusker State.
Cost of Living
Nebraska boasts a cost of living that’s 9% lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many:
- Housing costs are 21% lower than the national average
- Utilities are 15% lower
- Food costs are 4% lower
- Healthcare is 2% lower
- Transportation costs are on par with the national average
This affordability extends across various sectors, making Nebraska an economical choice for residents.
Housing Market
The Nebraska housing market remains relatively affordable:
- Median home value: $259,761 (as of September 2024)
- Year-over-year increase: 1.8%
- Average time on market: 32 days
While prices have risen, they remain significantly below the national median of $433,500, making homeownership more attainable for many Nebraskans.
Education
Nebraska’s education system shows both strengths and areas for improvement:
- Ranked 33rd in education according to U.S. News & World Report
- Significant improvement in recent years, climbing from 48th to 30th place in the 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® Data Book
- Strong educational policies and increased investment in Pre-K programs
The state continues to work on enhancing its education system, with a focus on improving 8th-grade math proficiency.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Nebraska presents a mixed picture:
- Ranked 21st in overall healthcare quality and access
- Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center ranked as the top hospital in the state for 2024
- Faces challenges in public health, with healthcare costs ranking third highest nationally
While there’s room for improvement, Nebraska boasts some top-tier medical facilities and specialties.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Nebraska’s infrastructure received mixed reviews:
- Ranked 26th in overall highway performance and cost-effectiveness
- Roads improved from a “D+” to a “C-” since 2015
- Bridges improved from a “C-” to a “C+” since 2015
- Commuters spend 14.7 hours stuck in traffic congestion annually, ranking 8th best in the country
The state has made efforts to improve its infrastructure, but challenges remain in areas such as maintenance spending and urban arterial pavement condition.
In conclusion, Nebraska in 2024 offers a compelling mix of affordability and quality of life. While challenges exist in areas such as healthcare costs and infrastructure, the state’s low cost of living, improving education system, and ongoing infrastructure investments make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and opportunity in the heartland of America.
Citations:
[1] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ne/
[2] https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/nebraska-housing-market/
[3] https://www.education.ne.gov/press_release/nebraska-students-rank-near-the-top-on-act-compared-to-peer-states/
[4] https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-best-state-hospitals-2024/americas-best-state-hospitals-2024-nebraska
[5] https://reason.org/policy-study/27th-annual-highway-report/nebraska/
[6] https://www.unbiased.com/discover/banking/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-nebraska
[7] https://innago.com/nebraska-housing-market-trends-forecast/
[8] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ne/omaha/
[9] https://renovated.com/cost-of-living-in-nebraska/
[10] https://www.rent.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-nebraska/
