Largest Cities in Nebraska (2025)
Go Back To Previous PageNebraska ranks as the 16th largest state in the United States by area, yet it is only the 37th most populous, with a population of just over 1.9 million residents. This makes it the 7th least
densely populated state in the country. While Nebraska is home to a few mid-sized cities, it also features numerous smaller communities and towns. They are famous for their friendly residents and Midwestern charm.
Below is a list of the ten largest cities in Nebraska by population.
10 Largest Cities in Nebraska
- Omaha
- Lincoln
- Bellevue
- Grand Island
- Kearney
- Fremont
- Hastings
- Norfolk
- Papillion
- Columbus
Omaha, Nebraska (Population: 486,051)
Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska by a significant margin and is the 40th largest city in the United States, with a population of 486,051 residents. It serves as the central hub of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. The city spans eight counties across two states and ranks as the 58th largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the country, with just under 1 million residents.
Additionally, approximately 1.5 million people live within a 50-mile radius of downtown Omaha. With a low cost of living, a strong economy, and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, Omaha consistently ranks among the top places in the U.S. to raise a family. The city also experienced an 18.9% increase in population from 2010 to 2020.
Lincoln (Population: 291,082)
Lincoln is the second-largest city in Nebraska, with a population of 291,082. It ranks as the 73rd-largest city in the United States by population. The city serves as the anchor of the Lincoln-Beatrice Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which has a total population of 363,733 residents.
Lincoln is famous for its excellent schools, friendly community, and numerous parks. They make it an attractive place for families and young professionals.
Approximately 20% of Lincoln’s residents are in their 20s, with a median age of 33.9, which is 10% lower than the statewide median. The city has also seen an influx of residents from various locations, with the population increasing by 12.7% between 2010 and 2020.
Bellevue (Population: 64,176)
Bellevue is one of the largest cities in Nebraska, with a population of 64,176 residents. Located in Sarpy County, Bellevue is a suburban city that offers a nice blend of urban amenities and suburban charm, despite being considerably smaller than Omaha and Lincoln.
It is just 8 miles south of downtown Omaha and constitutes a significant part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Bellevue is also adjacent to Offutt Air Force Base, which attracts many military families. The city is experiencing rapid growth, with its population increasing by 28% between 2010 and 2020.
Grand Island (Population: 53,131)
Grand Island is the fourth-largest city in Nebraska, with a population of 53,131. It serves as the main city in the Grand Island Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Hall, Merrick, Howard, and Hamilton counties, and has a total population of 83,472 residents.
Therefore, the city is home to significant institutions, including the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and the Southern Power District.
Grand Island boasts a stable economy, low crime rates, and an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for residents seeking job opportunities and a small-town atmosphere.
Kearney (Population: 33,790)
Kearney is one of the largest cities in Nebraska, with a population of 33,790. Located in Buffalo County along Interstate 80, Kearney has direct access to cities such as Omaha, Denver, Kansas City, Des Moines, Wichita, and Cheyenne.
This strategic location places it in the heart of a seven-state Midwestern region, which is home to over 20 million people.
Kearney is also home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. It contributes to a relatively young population, with 47% of residents under the age of 30. Since the 1940s, when the population was under 10,000, Kearney has experienced consistent growth, including a 9.8% increase from 2010 to 2020.
Fremont (Population: 27,141)
Fremont is one of the largest cities in Nebraska and serves as the seat of Dodge County, with a population of 27,141 residents. It is along the Platte River, approximately 35 miles from Omaha and 50 miles from Lincoln.
Fremont is a bedroom community for those who commute to jobs in Omaha. The city has experienced steady growth, with a population increase of 2.8% between 2010 and 2020.
Additionally, Fremont is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, with 27% of its residents under the age of 20, and married couples comprising 61% of the households.
Hastings (Population: 25,152)
Hastings is the seventh-largest city in Nebraska, with a population of 25,152. It serves as the principal city in the Hastings micropolitan statistical area, which encompasses Adams and Clay County.
Known as the birthplace of Kool-Aid, Hastings is a safe community with a low cost of living. The city features a spacious suburban atmosphere and a population density of 1,687 residents per square mile.
The city experienced rapid population growth in the early 20th century, leading to the construction of beautiful Craftsman Prairie, Colonial Revival, and American Foursquare-style homes. However, between 2010 and 2020, the population grew by only 1%.
Norfolk (Population: 24,955)
Norfolk is one of the largest cities in Nebraska, with a population of 24,955 residents. It is at the intersection of US Routes 81 and 275 and serves as the principal city in the Norfolk micropolitan statistical area, which has a total population of about 50,000.
Additionally, Norfolk is a quiet, family-friendly community that offers a spacious atmosphere, with a population density of 1,429 residents per square mile. From 2010 to 2020, the population increased by 3.1%.
Papillion (Population: 24,159)
Papillion is a suburban city located in Sarpy County and part of the Omaha metropolitan area. The city features a population of 24,159, making it the ninth-largest city in Nebraska. It is a fast-growing suburb, with a population increase of 27.9% between 2010 and 2020.
Finally, Papillion is a relatively affluent community, boasting a median household income of $104,608, which is 50% higher than the state average. Ranked by Money Magazine as the second best place to live in the United States, Papillion offers excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a small-town atmosphere.
Columbus (Population: 24,028)
Columbus is the 10th-largest city in Nebraska, with a population of 24,028 residents. It serves as the county seat of Platte County. The town is approximately 85 miles from Omaha and 76 miles from Lincoln.
Known for its quiet atmosphere and friendly community, Columbus has a stable economy primarily based on farming and manufacturing. The city has a population density of 2,324.4 residents per square mile. Also, its population grew by 8.7% from 2010 to 2020.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
