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Population Review

Lincoln, Nebraska Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Lincoln, Nebraska is 291,932 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 72nd-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Nebraska. The median household income is $69,991, the median home value is $248,200, and the median age is 33.4.

The population has grown 15.9% since 2010 (259,455 → 300,619).

291,932

Population

2888

People / sq mi

$69,991

Median Income

$248,200

Median Home Value

Lincoln covers 101.1 sq mi of land at 2888 people per square mile.

About Lincoln, NE

Lincoln is a city in Nebraska with a population of 291,932. It ranks #2 among cities in Nebraska by population. The median age is 33.4, younger than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

The median household income in Lincoln is $69,991, below the US median of $74,580. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $248,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,045. The homeownership rate of 55.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Lincoln reflects 41.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.3 minutes each way.

Lincoln city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Lincoln city had a population of 259,455 in 2010 and 300,619 in 2024, a 15.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 300,619 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.06%.

2024 · 301K20102024

300,619

Population (2024)

259,455

Population (2010)

300,619

Peak (2024)

1.06%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010259,455
2011262,690
2012265,861
2013269,129
2014274,128
2015277,345
2016281,339
2017284,527
2018286,930
2019289,102
2020291,837
2021291,691
2022293,306
2023296,810
2024300,619

Race & Ethnicity

White80.9%
Black or African American4.2%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$69,991

Median Household Income

$39,187

Per Capita Income

7.3%

Poverty Rate

2.3%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$248,200

Median Home Value

$1,045

Median Rent

55.8%

Owner-Occupied

Education

93.0%

High School+

41.0%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.9%

Drive Alone

75.7%

Public Transit

10.0%

Work From Home

18.3 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

24.7%

Foreign Born

86.9%

Non-English at Home

5.7%

Veterans

12.0%

With Disability

93.3%

Health Insurance

96.6%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management26.9%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate10.0%
Manufacturing9.5%
Information8.2%
Education, Health Care & Social Services7.9%
Construction6.1%
Public Administration6.1%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.8%
Retail Trade4.4%
Transportation & Warehousing1.6%
Agriculture & Mining1.2%

Largest cities in Nebraska

Largest counties in Nebraska

Part of Nebraska

Metro areas in Nebraska

City rankings

Common questions about Lincoln, NE

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln, Nebraska has a population of 291,932 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 72nd-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Nebraska.

The median household income in Lincoln, Nebraska is $69,991, with 7.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Lincoln, Nebraska is $248,200, with median monthly rent at $1,045 and a homeownership rate of 55.8%.

The median age in Lincoln, Nebraska is 33.4 years. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

The population has grown 15.9% since 2010 (259,455 → 300,619).

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.