Lincoln
Lincoln is the capital of and second largest city in Nebraska. Located midway between Chicago and Denver, the city is approximately 101 square miles and serves 294,000 residents. We are the center of the State’s governmental and educational activities, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the state’s largest with 25,000 students.
Prior to the city’s incorporation in 1869, Native Americans inhabited the area for thousands of years and lived and hunted along Salt Creek. The first westward settlers were also drawn to the area due to the abundance of salt.
What does Lincoln’s economy look like?
With our diversified economy, smart and strategic growth, and collaborative atmosphere, we recently ranked as the best city in America for young professionals.
Lincoln is not a boom-and-bust city. We’ve enjoyed a 1% - 1.5% average rate of population growth for the last 100 years. As the seat of government and education, these sectors deliver economic stability through jobs, innovation, and continuity.
The State of Nebraska is the largest employer with nearly 10,000 employees, followed by Lincoln Public Schools and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Health care is another major industry and the city’s three largest hospitals employ 7,300 residents and deliver a key service that contributes to our safety and quality of life.
We also have major manufacturers. This includes Kawasaki, Burlington Northern Railroad and Duncan Aviation, who together employ 5,600 people. Simultaneously, we have a burgeoning startup scene that innovates alongside established academic and government sectors.
In short, Lincoln’s economy rests on solid bedrock and points skyward. In 2021, for the first time in the city’s history, we surpassed $1 billion in annual construction permits. That same year a record number of existing homes were sold. With this stability and one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates, Nebraska is the best place to be if the country falls into recession according to a recent survey.
What do Lincoln’s demographics look like?
With our Native American ancestry, immigrant heritage, university luster and growing resettlement population, we are increasingly cosmopolitan.
Lincoln is growing – and growing more diverse. Our population grew by 33,000 from 2010 to 2020. Our city is projected to add roughly 105,000 people between now and 2050. As this happens, the share of persons of color will also grow. Today, they comprise 21% of the county’s population; by 2050, persons of color will represent roughly 1/3 of the county.
Lincoln is a proud resettlement community. Refugees started resettling here in the 1980s, and today 30,000 immigrants and refugees from roughly 150 countries call Lincoln home. We were recently cited as the 12th largest resettlement site per capita in the country.
We are also young and educated. Lincoln’s median age is 33 years old, while the national median age is 38.3. Meanwhile, nearly 40% of adults in Lincoln have a bachelor’s degree compared with 35% nationwide.
What do your residents like about their city?
With outstanding public safety, public schools, infrastructure, and trails and parks, we recently ranked as the third most livable state capital.
Our residents come together to identify – and create – lasting public goods that make Lincoln desirable. Over 98% of homes are located within 1 mile of a public trail and over 80% are within half a mile of a neighborhood park. These visible, aboveground features are bolstered by a sturdy foundation of public support. Community members volunteer on 57 boards and commissions that make Lincoln functional and appealing.
We also are an affordable and convenient city. Lincoln’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, with housing and utilities 17% and 28% less, respectively. In fact, we have the nation’s 8th lowest residential electric rates. Our average commute time is 18.5 minutes, nearly 10 minutes less than the national average.
Above all, we prioritize public safety. Thanks to our Lincoln Police Department, violent crime decreased in 2021 compared to the previous five-year average. Our Lincoln Fire and Rescue Department saves the lives of non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients at a rate nearly double the national average.
What makes Lincoln different from other cities?
We are one community. With no competing municipalities, a single school district, and sole supervision of our utilities, we provide high-quality opportunities for all residents wherever they live.
Unlike many communities, Lincoln does not suffer disinvestment from competing suburbs. This leads to stable, strategic growth. At the same time, Lincoln residents reinvest in their community. Voters approved our cutting-edge $180 million arena and $73 million in street improvements. We are generous, too. Our signature charity event, Give to Lincoln Day, has raised over $48 million and a record 479 non-profits participated in 2022.
We are a responsive and responsible community. We are the first city in Nebraska to pass a climate action plan. Our Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has hosted over 400 vaccination clinics to protect 230,000 residents against COVID-19. We were the number one city in the nation for the 2020 U.S. Census self-response rate. And we recently organized a contest to design a new city flag and received over 190 submissions.
We are inclusive. Our Mayor, Chief of Police and three of our seven City Council members are women. Our Human Resources Department is working to ensure our city’s workforce is diverse and representative. We intend to build 5,000 affordable housing units by 2030 to address the needs of low-income residents. Finally, our One Lincoln initiative champions community policies, practices, and culture change initiatives that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion.
What tourist attractions does Lincoln have?
As the state capital and university hub, we have historic sites and proud traditions that attract visitors from around the country and the globe.
Our college football and volleyball teams are supported by the most loyal fans in the country. On football gamedays, Memorial Stadium becomes the third largest city in the state. The women’s volleyball team, five-time national champions, plays its games at the Bob Devanney Sports Center on Nebraska Innovation Campus.
Lincoln also has a thriving performing arts scene. Regional and national artists flock to venues like the Zoo Bar, Bourbon Theatre, Lied Center, and Pinnacle Bank Arena. Theater has a stage too. Pinewood Bowl hosts everything from Broadway musicals to Disney adaptations.
We also have niche attractions. Robber’s Cave, dug in 1869 for Lincoln’s first brewery, is our oldest tourist attraction. The International Quilt Museum is home to the world’s largest publicly held quilt collection. For motorheads, the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed was recently voted Best Attraction for Car Lovers by USA Today.