Real Estate Directory - Nebraska

Population: 1,711,263 (all 2003 figures)
Capital city/population: Lincoln - 235,594
Largest cities/population:

  • Omaha - 404,267
  • Lincoln - 235,594
  • Bellevue - 46,734
  • Grand Island - 43,771

Nebraska is the 16th largest state, with a total area of 77,358 square miles. It has a dry, continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Temperatures are stable; precipitation varies greatly, depending upon location. In the western portion of the state, rainfall amounts to less than 17” some years, while the southeast can receive more than 30” annually. The greatest amounts of rainfall occur in late spring and early fall. Nebraska has the nation’s largest aquifer, the Ogalala Aquifer, and has more miles of river than any other state. It was admitted into the Union on March 1, 1867.

HOUSING

Omaha – Demand has eased slightly, but there are still a good number of homes available in the below-$200,000 range. In price ranges above $300,000, homes are remaining on the market an average of 150 days; this is partially due to the interest rates, and to the time of year. Overall, home buyers will find a nice selection.

Lincoln – The community has over 49,000 housing units, with an average home price of $137,538. Owner-occupied homes comprise 56% of this total, with rental units holding 39%. Rental prices average $460. Lincoln has several performing arts centers, parks, sports arenas, and many restaurants.

Bellevue – This community is experiencing a strong buyers market, with a great choice of homes priced above $130,000. Average list price was $149,500, with an average sale price of $140,900. Homes listed in price range from $61,000 - $495,000. These homes remained on the market an average of 60 days, slightly longer than normal. This community supports the local university, and offers many educational and recreational opportunities.

Grand Island – This community has 10,378 total housing units, with an average home price of $102,908. Over 60% of these are owner-occupied, with rental units going for an average of $368. With a strong manufacturing base, modern medical facilities, and an excellent school system, this town is a great place to live.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Principal industries include agriculture and manufacturing, with principal manufactured goods being processed foods, industrial machinery, printed materials, electric/electronic equipment, and transportation equipment. Chief crops include corn, sorghum, soybeans, hay, wheat, beans, oats, and potatoes. Gross state product for 2004 was $68 billion, with a per capita income for that year of $31,339.

SCHOOLS

Nebraska school districts have organized their local curriculum to adhere to state approved contents to provide learning opportunities for all students. They are required to document that all students have had the opportunity to learn this content. The Nebraska L.E.A.R.N.S Program (Leading Educational Achievement through Rigorous Nebraska Standards) has developed standards and competency assessments for four core areas of math, science, reading, and history to teach all students.

The state’s primary higher education system is headed by the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. In 1968 the Municipal University of Omaha became the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Both the University of Nebraska and Creighton University operate medical and dental colleges at Omaha. There are also four state colleges: Kearney, Wayne, Chadron, and Peru; 15 private or parochial colleges and 16 two-year technical community college campuses. Other institutions include Nebraska Wesleyan University and Union College, both at Lincoln; and Concordia Teachers College – Seward.

HISTORY

Native American Pawnee tribes used the area for buffalo hunting; it took until the time of the Louisiana Purchase for active land development to take place when trading posts were established by European travelers.

Steamboat travel brought business to the river ports, and settlers heading west also contributed to the economy, buying supplies for their journeys. Nebraska became a territory after passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, and achieved statehood in 1867.

After the Civil War, the Union Pacific Railroad was built across the state, starting a land rush. Under the Homestead Act of 1862, farmers settled on free land. Difficulty arose between farmers and ranchers, with both being plagued by insects, dust storms, drought, and bitter cold.

Increased food demands of World War II brought prosperity to Nebraska, and in the years after the War, meat processing and agriculture have become economic staples.

RELIGION (2003)

  • Christian – 90%
    • Protestant – 61%
      • Lutheran – 16%
      • Methodist – 11%
      • Baptist – 9%
      • Presbyterian – 4%
      • Other Protestant – 21%
    • Roman Catholic – 28%
    • Other Christian – 1%
  • Other religions – 1%
  • Non-religious – 9%

DEMOGRAPHICS (2003)

  • White - 89.6%
  • Black - 4%
  • Asian - 1.3%
  • Native American - 0.9%
  • Other - 2.8%
  • Mixed - 1.4%