Is Lincoln Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and growing urban amenities, making it an attractive option for those considering a move. The city provides a relatively affordable cost of living compared to national averages, coupled with a stable job market driven by government, education, and healthcare sectors. Residents can enjoy a climate with distinct seasons, though summers can bring humidity and winters can be cold.
The city’s educational landscape includes a range of public schools, with some elementary schools receiving high ratings, though the district’s overall performance is average. Demographically, Lincoln is predominantly White, with growing Hispanic and Asian populations, reflecting a diverse and evolving community. Understanding these facets can help in making an informed decision about relocating to this Nebraska capital.
Is it Safe to Live in Lincoln?
Lincoln’s crime rate is a subject of mixed statistics, with some sources indicating it is higher than the national average, while others highlight a generally low crime rate. In one analysis, the crime rate was reported as 36.42 per 1,000 residents, placing it in the 22nd percentile for safety nationally, meaning it is safer than 22% of U.S. cities (according to NeighborhoodScout). Another report indicated that in 2022, the city reported 3,224 incidents per 100,000 people, which was 39% higher than the national average (according to Sopinski Law Office).
However, other data suggests that Lincoln’s crime rate remains low, with the city regularly meeting its goals for violent crimes and burglaries per 100,000 persons (according to Lincoln Vital Signs). Property crimes are more common than violent crimes, but both have seen declines over the past decade. Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with a chance of being a victim of crime varying significantly by neighborhood (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Lincoln presents a more affordable picture than many other U.S. cities. The median home price in Lincoln was approximately $288,711 in March 2026, a slight decrease of 0.04% compared to the previous year (according to Houzeo). Other reports indicate a median sale price of $290K in March 2026, which is 34% lower than the national average (according to Redfin). This affordability makes Lincoln an attractive option for potential homeowners.
Rental prices in Lincoln are also competitive, with the average rent for an apartment being around $1,336 in April 2026, a 2.51% increase from the previous year (according to RentCafe). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is about $1,168, while two-bedroom units average $1,388. These figures suggest a stable rental market with moderate price increases, offering various options for renters.
Job Market and Major Employers
Lincoln’s job market is characterized by a stable economic climate, largely supported by its role as the state capital and home to a major university. The average annual salary in Lincoln is approximately $61,179 as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). Another source reports the average salary for jobs in Lincoln at $62,122 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
Major employers in Lincoln include the State of Nebraska, Lincoln Public Schools, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which collectively provide a significant number of jobs. The healthcare industry is also a major contributor, with several large hospitals employing thousands. Manufacturing and a growing startup scene further diversify the employment opportunities available in the city (according to the City of Lincoln).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Lincoln is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Lincoln’s housing expenses are notably lower, with costs being 23% less than the U.S. average (according to Payscale). Utility prices are also more affordable, running about 6% lower than the national average, and transportation costs are approximately 3% lower.
While groceries are slightly cheaper than the national average, healthcare costs in Lincoln are about 3% higher. However, when considering the combination of housing, utilities, and transportation, Lincoln offers a more budget-friendly environment compared to many other parts of the country. The estimated monthly costs for a single person, excluding rent, are around $1,135.80 (according to Numbeo).
Climate and Weather
Lincoln experiences a climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, with July typically being the hottest month, averaging a high of 88°F and a low of 66°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Humidity can make summer days feel uncomfortable, particularly in July.
Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, featuring average highs of 35°F and lows of 14°F. The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 31 inches, with May being the wettest month, receiving around 5.28 inches of rain. Snowfall averages approximately 28 inches annually.
Education and School Ratings
Lincoln is served by Lincoln Public Schools, a district that educates a large number of students. While the district as a whole has an average rating, some individual elementary schools within the district are highly regarded. Adams Elementary School, Sheridan Elementary School, and Rousseau Elementary School, for instance, have received top ratings and are recognized among the best in Nebraska (according to SchoolDigger and Niche).
The district’s overall performance in terms of proficiency scores is on par with the state average for math, but slightly above average for reading. Minority enrollment in Lincoln’s public schools is consistent with the state average. The student-teacher ratio within the district is approximately 14 to 1 (according to Niche).
Demographics
Lincoln’s population is approximately 295,000 people, with a slight growth trend observed since the 2020 Census (according to Census Dots and Neilsberg). The city is predominantly White, making up about 76.3% of the population, with growing Hispanic (9.0%), Multiracial (5.4%), Asian (4.4%), and Black or African American (4.1%) communities (according to Census Dots). This demographic makeup is similar to that of Nebraska as a whole, though Lincoln is slightly less diverse than the state overall.
The median age in Lincoln is 33.4 years, with a slightly higher male population than female. A significant portion of the population holds at least a high school diploma, with a notable percentage also having some college education or advanced degrees (according to Niche). The citizenship rate in Lincoln is high, at 95.4% as of 2024, which is above the national average (according to Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Lincoln
Lincoln offers a compelling mix of affordability and economic stability, making it an appealing place to live. The cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale and Houzeo). The job market is robust, supported by stable sectors like government, education, and healthcare, with major employers like the State of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
However, residents should be prepared for a climate with cold winters and potentially humid summers. While crime rates are a concern for some, they have been declining, and certain neighborhoods are considered safer than others (according to Lincoln Vital Signs and NeighborhoodScout). The city’s schools, while having some highly-rated elementary schools, have an average overall district rating.