Is Gretna Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gretna
Is it Safe to Live in Gretna?
Gretna, Nebraska, generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Gretna is significantly below the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Violent crimes are also considerably lower than the national average, with residents having a much lower chance of becoming a victim (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Property crime rates in Gretna are also lower than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The city is considered safer than a majority of other cities in the United States, indicating a low incidence of criminal activity (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Year-over-year crime in Gretna has also seen a decrease, further contributing to its safe reputation (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Crime Statistics
The crime rate in Gretna is approximately 20.54 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with the west part of the city generally considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The northeast parts of Gretna see the most crime incidents annually, while the south part has the fewest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Gretna’s overall crime rate is 53% below the national average as of 2026 (as reported by DoorProfit). The estimated violent crime rate is 305.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 20% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime is estimated at 1,123.8 per 100,000 residents, 39% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in Gretna
Gretna offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an appealing option for many. Housing expenses are notably lower than the national average, contributing significantly to overall affordability (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices also fall below the national average, providing additional savings for residents (as reported by Payscale).
Transportation costs, including gas prices and public transit fares, are also less expensive in Gretna compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are also more affordable, making everyday shopping more budget-friendly (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare expenses are slightly lower than the national average as well, further enhancing the affordability of living in Gretna (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
The median home value in Gretna, NE, is $397,300, which is higher than the national median home value of $338,100 (as reported by Xome). However, Gretna’s median household income is $123,992, which comfortably covers the cost of the typical home, indicating a relatively affordable market (as reported by CommunityScale). Gretna’s housing expenses are 27% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
The median listing price for homes in Gretna is $549.9K, suggesting a robust seller’s market with strong demand (as reported by Apartments.com). Year-over-year, the median price has increased by 5.24% (as reported by Apartments.com). For buyers, the market shows expansion, with the number of homes for sale up by 47.30% year-over-year (as reported by Apartments.com).
Rental Costs
The average rent for an apartment in Gretna is $1,611, which represents a 3.92% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). One-bedroom apartments are available for approximately $1,336, offering a balance of privacy and affordability (as reported by RentCafe). Two-bedroom units are priced around $1,708, suitable for small families or roommates (as reported by RentCafe).
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Gretna, NE, is $1,319 per month, which is 20% lower than the national average rent of $1,642/month (as reported by Apartments.com). Studio apartments average around $1,215 per month, one-bedroom apartments are about $1,319, and two-bedroom apartments are approximately $1,546 (as reported by Apartments.com). Three-bedroom rentals can cost $2,032 or more per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Gretna’s economy is characterized by steady employment growth and a diverse range of industries. The total number of employed individuals in Gretna grew by 1.37% from the previous year, indicating a healthy job market (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Gretna is remarkably low, standing at 0.6% (as reported by Point2Homes). This low unemployment rate suggests strong job prospects and a thriving local economy (as reported by Point2Homes). Major employers in Gretna include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Amazon Warehouse, providing a significant number of job opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com).
Major Employers
Key employers in Gretna include large retail corporations and service-based businesses. Walmart is a significant employer, operating as a general merchandise and superstore (as reported by Indeed.com). McDonald’s and Subway are also prominent in the food service industry, offering numerous employment positions (as reported by Indeed.com).
The United States Postal Service and Amazon Warehouse are other major employers, contributing to the diverse employment landscape in Gretna (as reported by Indeed.com). TJ Maxx and Ulta also represent significant retail presence and employment opportunities within the city (as reported by Indeed.com).
Salaries and Wages
The median household income in Gretna is $123,992, showing a 4.4% year-over-year growth (as reported by Data USA). This median income is higher than both the state and national averages, indicating a strong earning potential for residents (as reported by Census Reporter). The average salary for workers in Gretna is approximately $42,037 annually (as reported by ReadySetHire).
However, other sources indicate a median wage of $36.2K per year, with a 25th percentile at $30K and a 75th percentile at $46.9K (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Popular job roles like RN, Art Teacher, and Library positions offer salaries significantly above the city’s average (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate in Gretna
Gretna experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 17°F to 87°F, rarely dropping below -1°F or exceeding 96°F (as reported by Time and Date). The city receives an annual precipitation of approximately 33 inches, with about 31 inches of snowfall (as reported by Plantmaps).
Summers in Gretna are warm, humid, and wet, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 87°F and a low of 68°F (as reported by Time and Date). Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with January seeing the coldest temperatures, averaging a high of 35°F and a low of 17°F (as reported by Time and Date). The city has an average of 137 days per year with comfortable weather, making it pleasant for outdoor activities during specific times of the year (as reported by Plantmaps).
Temperature and Precipitation
The average annual temperature in Gretna is around 53°F (as reported by Time and Date). The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s°F (as reported by Plantmaps, Time and Date). Conversely, the coldest month is January, with average highs around 35°F and lows near 17°F (as reported by Time and Date).
Monthly rainfall varies significantly, with June typically receiving the most precipitation at around 5.08 inches (as reported by Plantmaps). January experiences the least rainfall, with an average of about 0.2 inches (as reported by Plantmaps). Snowfall averages around 31 inches annually (as reported by Plantmaps).
Education in Gretna
Gretna Public Schools is a highly-regarded school district known for its academic excellence. The district serves approximately 7,013 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 75% of students are proficient in math and 76% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
The district consistently ranks among the top in Nebraska for academic performance, including math and reading proficiency, as well as graduation rates (as reported by Public School Review). Several schools within the district have received high ratings, reflecting the quality of education provided to students (as reported by Public School Review, Niche).
School Ratings
Gretna Public Schools has earned an above-average overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). The district is ranked within the top 10% of all school districts in Nebraska based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data (as reported by Public School Review). The graduation rate for Gretna Public Schools is an impressive 98%, showing an increase over the past five school years (as reported by Public School Review).
Elementary schools like Palisades Elementary School and Whitetail Creek Elementary School have received high ratings, with some achieving a 5 out of 5 score (as reported by Niche, Public School Review). Middle schools such as Aspen Creek Middle School are also recognized for their strong performance, ranking highly among state middle schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Gretna High School also maintains a respectable rating, contributing to the district’s strong educational reputation (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Gretna
Gretna is a growing city with a population of approximately 9,193 residents (as reported by Data USA). The city is home to a predominantly White population, with smaller percentages of residents identifying with other racial or ethnic groups (as reported by Data USA, Point2Homes). The median age in Gretna is around 36 years old, with a balanced distribution across different age groups (as reported by Point2Homes).
The majority of Gretna residents are U.S. citizens, reflecting a stable and established community (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate is high, with a significant portion of residents owning their homes rather than renting (as reported by Data USA). Gretna is considered a bedroom community for Omaha, suggesting many residents commute to the larger city for work (as reported by Wikipedia).
Population and Diversity
The population of Gretna is approximately 9,193 people (as reported by Data USA). The city has experienced population growth, with projections indicating continued expansion (as reported by CommunityScale, Census Reporter). The racial makeup of Gretna is primarily White, accounting for about 87.7% of the population, followed by those identifying with Two or More races and Hispanic or Latino individuals (as reported by Census Reporter).
Citizenship is high in Gretna, with 99.8% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is a small percentage of the total, consistent with national averages (as reported by Data USA). The gender distribution is nearly even, with slightly more males than females (as reported by Point2Homes).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Gretna is 36.3 years (as reported by Census Reporter). The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the 25-44 and 45-64 age brackets, indicating a mix of working-age adults (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 22.9% of residents are children under 15, suggesting a family-friendly environment (as reported by Point2Homes).
Gretna has around 3,237 households, with an average of three members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). The homeownership rate is high, at 75.3%, indicating that most residents own their homes (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is 21.1 minutes, and most people drive alone to work (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Gretna
Gretna offers a compelling mix of advantages for those considering a move to the area. Its reputation for safety, combined with a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, makes it an attractive place to live. The strong job market, bolstered by major employers and a low unemployment rate, provides economic stability for residents.
However, potential residents should be aware of certain factors. While the cost of living is generally affordable, median home prices can be higher than the national average, which may be a consideration for prospective homeowners. The climate features distinct seasons, including cold winters, which may not appeal to everyone.
Pros
Gretna boasts a low crime rate, significantly below the national average, contributing to a sense of security for its residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org, DoorProfit). The cost of living is also favorable, with lower expenses for housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale). The city offers a robust job market with a very low unemployment rate (as reported by Point2Homes).
The educational system in Gretna is a significant draw, with Gretna Public Schools consistently ranking among the top in Nebraska for academic performance and graduation rates (as reported by Public School Review, Niche). Gretna’s climate, while seasonal, offers comfortable weather for a significant portion of the year, with pleasant spring and fall months (as reported by Plantmaps). The community is family-friendly, with a good school system and a generally safe environment.
Cons
While Gretna is generally affordable, the median home price is higher than the national average (as reported by Xome). This could present a barrier for some prospective homeowners looking for lower entry costs into the housing market. The climate includes cold winters with significant snowfall, which may be a drawback for individuals who prefer warmer weather year-round (as reported by Time and Date).
The city’s amenities, while growing, might be considered less extensive compared to larger metropolitan areas, potentially impacting those seeking a wide variety of entertainment or cultural activities (as reported by CommunityScale). Although Gretna is a growing suburb, its smaller size means fewer immediate options for certain services or specialized retail compared to larger cities nearby.