Largest Cities in Nebraska (2011)

This article is the twenty-seventh in a 50 state series: it lists the largest cities in Nebraska by population size and provides demographic details for each city–total population, population by age group, racial composition of the population, land area, and population density.

This article was updated to include the latest 1-year and 3-year population estimates from the United States Census Bureau where available.

After reading “Largest Cities in Nebraska,” return to these links to access similar articles for the other 49 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

1. Largest Cities in Nebraska: Omaha, NE

Located in the central part of eastern Nebraska, Omaha is the largest city in the state with an estimated population of 454,714.

Grouped by age, 25.7% of the population is under 18, 10.7% is 18 to 24, 27.2% is 25 to 44, 24.6% is 45 to 64, and 11.8% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.6.

The racial composition of the city is 76.7% White, 12.8% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.1% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. The population is 11.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 115.70 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,930.11 people per square mile.

2. Largest Cities in Nebraska: Lincoln, NE

Situated in southeastern Nebraska, Lincoln is the state’s capital and second largest city with an estimated population of 254,008.

A comparatively large part of the population is college-aged: the city is home to the University of Nebraska. Classified by age, 23.3% of the population is under 18, 14.9% is 18 to 24, 29.6% is 25 to 44, 22.1% is 45 to 64, and 10.1% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 31.8.

The racial complexion of the city is 89.3% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 3.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. The population is 5.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 74.64 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,403.11 people per square mile.

3. Largest Cities in Nebraska: Bellevue, NE

Located in the central part of eastern Nebraska, Bellevue is the fourth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 49,704.

Categorized by age, 25.9% of the population is under 18, 11.8% is 18 to 24, 26.6% is 25 to 44, 23.5% is 45 to 64, and 12.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.8.

The racial profile of the city is 86.1% White, 5.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 2.2% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. The population is 9.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 13.26 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,748.42 people per square mile.

4. Largest Cities in Nebraska: Grand Island, NE

Situated in the southeastern part of central Nebraska, Grand Island is the third largest city in the state with an estimated population of 45,949.

Sorted by age, 28.1% of the population is under 18, 8.4% is 18 to 24, 26.2% is 25 to 44, 24.4% is 45 to 64, and 12.9% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.4.

The racial makeup of the city is 88.8% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 6.6% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. The population is 22.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 21.47 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,140.15 people per square mile.

5. Largest Cities in Nebraska: Kearney, NE

Located in the southern part of central Nebraska, Kearney is the fifth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 30,360.

An unusually large percentage of the population is college-aged: the city is home to the University of Nebraska–Kearney. Arranged by age, 21.7% of the population is under 18, 23.6% is 18 to 24, 25.0% is 25 to 44, 19.1% is 45 to 64, and 10.6% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 27.7.

The racial mix of the city is 94.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 2.0% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. The population is 5.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 10.98 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,765.03 people per square mile.

Source(s):

“2009 ACS 1-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“2007-2009 ACS 3-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“2006-2008 ACS 3-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2000,” U.S. Census Bureau