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
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Lincoln covers 101.1 sq mi of land at 2888 people per square mile.
About Lincoln, NE
Age is the most distinctive thing about Lincoln: a median age of 33.4, younger than the national median. With 291,932 residents, Lincoln is a city in Nebraska. It is the #2-largest of all cities in Nebraska nationally.
Median household income is $69,991, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $248,200, with typical rent around $1,045.
41.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 10.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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%.
300,619
Population (2024)
259,455
Population (2010)
300,619
Peak (2024)
1.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 259,455 |
| 2011 | 262,690 |
| 2012 | 265,861 |
| 2013 | 269,129 |
| 2014 | 274,128 |
| 2015 | 277,345 |
| 2016 | 281,339 |
| 2017 | 284,527 |
| 2018 | 286,930 |
| 2019 | 289,102 |
| 2020 | 291,837 |
| 2021 | 291,691 |
| 2022 | 293,306 |
| 2023 | 296,810 |
| 2024 | 300,619 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.9% |
| Black or African American | 4.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
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 & Management | 26.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.0% |
| Manufacturing | 9.5% |
| Information | 8.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.9% |
| Construction | 6.1% |
| Public Administration | 6.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.8% |
| Retail Trade | 4.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.2% |
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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).
Lincoln city, NE Climate
Lincoln city, NE has an average annual temperature of 11°C (52°F) and receives about 759 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11°C
Avg Temp
759
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 17 mm |
| February | -1° / 29° | 18 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 54 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 77 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 109 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 97 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 89 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 92 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 85 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 59 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 39 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 23 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lincoln city, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Lincoln city, NE are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lincoln
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.