We can probably all agree that there aren’t many places in Nebraska that aren’t great for raising a family. But in certain towns, the family-friendly factor is even higher than average. NerdWallet put together a list of the state’s best towns for families based on the quality of the public schools, the median household income and home value, and the town’s overall growth rate. (Only places with populations of 2,000 or more were considered.) According to their data, these are the 10 best towns in the state to raise a family.
- La Vista
flickr/Ali Eminov This Omaha suburb’s public schools have a 7 rating on GreatSchools and the town boasts a median household income of just over $59,300. It has the largest population of any town on this list, coming in at 15,800.
- Falls City
Wikimedia/Ammodramus In the very southeast corner of the state, Falls City has the lowest monthly cost of home ownership on our list at just $720. It experienced 41% growth between 1999 and 2011 and has a GreatSchools rating of 6.
- Broken Bow
Wikimedia/Ammodramus Right in central Nebraska, Broken Bow has some very affordable housing with a median home value of $70,500. The public schools pulled a 7 ranking on GreatSchools.
- McCook
Wikimedia/Ammodramus The residents of this town of about 7,700 have a median household income of $39,375 along with an average monthly home ownership cost of $897. Their GreatSchools rating of 7 makes this an above-average place to raise a family.
- Holdrege
Wikimedia/Ammodramus Although Holdrege is the slowest-growing town on our list at just 13.9% between 1999 and 2011, it boasts a median household income of $41,250. It received a very good GreatSchools rating of 8.
- Aurora
Wikimedia/Ammodramus With just under 5,000 residents, Aurora has awesome public schools which were rated a 7 on GreatSchools. The town enjoyed a rapid 47.3% growth rate between 1999 and 2011.
- York
flickr/Anthony York has proven itself a great place for young families. Although median home values are high ($92,500), the monthly home ownership cost remains reasonable at $981. The public schools have achieved a GreatSchools rating of 8.
- Gothenburg
Wikimedia/Smallbones Another town in central Nebraska, Gothenburg has a public school system with a GreatSchools rating of 8/10. With an average monthly home ownership cost of just $862 and a median household income of $46,250, Gothenburg is an affordable place for families to put down roots.
- Seward
Wikimedia/Ammodramus Seward boasts rapid growth (42.9%), a high median income ($58,949), and a GreatSchools rating of 8. What’s not to love for a growing family?
- Gretna
City of Gretna Rounding out the list at #1 is Gretna in Sarpy County. It has both the highest median household income ($76,378) and highest median home value ($166,200) of any other town on this list. It also boasts a GreatSchools rating of 8, a growth rate of 52.4%, and an overall NerdWallet score of 79.2 for young families.
Everyone has their own personal parameters when deciding on the best place to raise a family. What are your criteria? What town do you think is the best for raising a family in Nebraska? Let us know in the comments.
flickr/Ali Eminov
This Omaha suburb’s public schools have a 7 rating on GreatSchools and the town boasts a median household income of just over $59,300. It has the largest population of any town on this list, coming in at 15,800.
Wikimedia/Ammodramus
In the very southeast corner of the state, Falls City has the lowest monthly cost of home ownership on our list at just $720. It experienced 41% growth between 1999 and 2011 and has a GreatSchools rating of 6.
Right in central Nebraska, Broken Bow has some very affordable housing with a median home value of $70,500. The public schools pulled a 7 ranking on GreatSchools.
The residents of this town of about 7,700 have a median household income of $39,375 along with an average monthly home ownership cost of $897. Their GreatSchools rating of 7 makes this an above-average place to raise a family.
Although Holdrege is the slowest-growing town on our list at just 13.9% between 1999 and 2011, it boasts a median household income of $41,250. It received a very good GreatSchools rating of 8.
With just under 5,000 residents, Aurora has awesome public schools which were rated a 7 on GreatSchools. The town enjoyed a rapid 47.3% growth rate between 1999 and 2011.
flickr/Anthony
York has proven itself a great place for young families. Although median home values are high ($92,500), the monthly home ownership cost remains reasonable at $981. The public schools have achieved a GreatSchools rating of 8.
Wikimedia/Smallbones
Another town in central Nebraska, Gothenburg has a public school system with a GreatSchools rating of 8/10. With an average monthly home ownership cost of just $862 and a median household income of $46,250, Gothenburg is an affordable place for families to put down roots.
Seward boasts rapid growth (42.9%), a high median income ($58,949), and a GreatSchools rating of 8. What’s not to love for a growing family?
City of Gretna
Rounding out the list at #1 is Gretna in Sarpy County. It has both the highest median household income ($76,378) and highest median home value ($166,200) of any other town on this list. It also boasts a GreatSchools rating of 8, a growth rate of 52.4%, and an overall NerdWallet score of 79.2 for young families.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
