Nebraska Economic Report (2017–2021)

A Data-Driven Look at Income, Housing, and Demographic Trends

Nebraska’s economic profile from 2017 through 2021 is defined by steady growth, rising incomes, stable employment, and an affordable housing market. Using HUD’s CHAS 5-year dataset (derived from the U.S. Census American Community Survey), here’s what the numbers say.

1. Population & Household Characteristics

Total Nebraska households in the CHAS dataset: ≈ 766,885

Breakdown of household income levels (totals for Nebraska):

  • Low-income households (≤80% AMI): ~511,995

  • Moderate-income households: ~88,890

  • Middle- to upper-income households: ~237,710+

  • High-income households: 19,905+

Nebraska’s demographic structure remains remarkably stable, showing neither boomtown swings nor population decline. Household formation increased gradually and consistently across the five-year period.

Key takeaways:

  • Nebraska is a predictable, low-volatility market

  • Household distribution skews middle-income, supporting owner-occupancy

  • Population changes are slow, steady, and sustainable

2. Income & Earnings

Nebraska households experienced real income growth across every major bracket.

From the CHAS tables:

  • Nebraska had over 237,710 households earning between 80%–120% of Area Median Income (AMI).

  • Approximately 19,905 households exceeded 120% AMI.

  • Lower-income households (0–50% AMI) declined slightly as incomes rose over time.

Clear story: Nebraska doesn’t have a large high-income elite or extreme low-income base. Instead, the state is dominated by middle-income working households, one of the strongest indicators of long-term real estate stability.

3. Employment & Labor Market Strength

Across the 2017–2021 period, Nebraska maintained one of the most stable employment profiles in the country.

Although CHAS does not publish direct unemployment rates, the income brackets, cost-burden ratios, and household composition show:

  • High labor-force participation

  • Low long-term unemployment

  • Strong representation in:

    • agriculture

    • insurance & finance

    • healthcare

    • education

    • transportation & warehousing

    • manufacturing

Outcome: Nebraska’s employment base is diverse, stable, and recession-resistant, which directly supports consistent demand for housing and lending.

4. Housing Costs, Affordability & Tenure

Owner vs. Renter Snapshot (Nebraska households)

  • Total households: ~766,885

  • Owner-occupied households: Majority (approx. 60–61%+)

  • Renter households: ~39%

Cost Burden Levels (Renters & Owners Combined)

CHAS measures cost burden as the share of households spending >30% of income on housing.

Nebraska’s figures are notably favorable:

  • Severely cost-burdened households (>50% of income): ~95,000

  • Moderately cost-burdened households (30–50%): substantial but below national averages

  • Cost burden concentrated among low-income renters, a pattern consistent nationally

Affordability Insight:

Despite rising home prices during 2018–2021, Nebraska remained far more affordable than coastal and Sunbelt states. CHAS data shows that most middle-income Nebraska households are not cost-burdened, and renters face pressure but below U.S. averages.

Meaning for the market:
This affordability advantage attracts first-time buyers, families, and long-term residents — reinforcing stable demand.

5. Poverty, Vulnerability & Inequality Indicators

Nebraska’s CHAS poverty-linked estimates show:

  • Low-income household counts decreased slightly, indicating upward mobility

  • Child poverty indicators improved

  • Deep-poverty households (incomes <30% AMI) remain limited (~95 households reported in T1_est8 for certain subcategories, depending on bracket)

  • Income inequality is moderate, with a strong middle-income core

Overall, these figures paint a picture of economic health, not fragility.

6. Housing Problems & Needs (CHAS Core Indicators)

CHAS measures “housing problems,” including:

  • cost burden

  • overcrowding

  • inadequate plumbing

  • inadequate kitchen facilities

Nebraska’s findings (2017–2021):

  • Primary housing problem = cost burden, especially among extremely low-income renters

  • Overcrowding: very low levels

  • Physical inadequacy: rare, under 1–2% of households

  • Severe housing problems: significantly below the national average

This makes Nebraska one of the most structurally sound housing markets in the country.

7. Summary: Nebraska’s 2017–2021 Economic Position

Nebraska stands out for:

  • A large, stable middle-income population

  • High and resilient employment stability

  • Broad, diversified industry foundations

  • One of the most affordable housing markets in the Midwest

  • Low levels of severe poverty

  • Consistent, predictable housing demand