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City Report · NE

Lincoln

Pop. 294,856·8th most expensive in Nebraska·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,345/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.0%
Month-over-Month
-0.2%
vs US Median
-$620
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Lincoln · $1,345
More affordable than 85% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
53/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Lincoln's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,345/mo
Expected by trend
$1,367/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Lincoln's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$872
1 BR
$975
2 BR
$1,206
3 BR
$1,691
4 BR+
$1,811
Research median
$1,206/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,140/yr
At $1,345/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (5.0% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.0% YoY, -0.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Lincoln, NE is majority owner-occupied, 41.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
294,856
Median income
$71,867
Median age
33.4
Renters
43.9%
Age distribution
21.9%
30%
23%
14.8%
Under 1821.9%
18–3430%
35–5423%
55–6410.2%
65+14.8%
Gender
50.2%
49.8%
Male50.2%
Female49.8%
Race & ethnicity
79.2%
White79.2%
Black4.1%
Hispanic9%
Asian4.5%
Other3.2%
Education (25+)
20.4%
31%
41.8%
No HS diploma6.8%
HS diploma20.4%
Some college31%
Bachelor's+41.8%
Housing tenure
56.1%
43.9%
Owner56.1%
Renter43.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Lincoln, NE has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,015 → $1,345
up 32.5%
Income
$62,566 → $71,867
up 14.9%
Population
289,136 → 294,856
up 2.0%
Renter share
43.4% → 43.9%
+0.5 pts
Bachelor's+
40.1% → 41.8%
+1.7 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Lincoln, NE has increased from $1,015 to $1,345, a 32.5% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Lincoln, NE now reports about $71,867, up from $62,566 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 2.0% since 2021, moving from about 289,136 residents to roughly 294,856. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Lincoln, NE reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Lincoln

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View Lincoln rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Lincoln on your salary?

At $1,345/mo, how Lincoln rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Lincoln rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Lincoln. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Lincoln

About renting in Lincoln, NE

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Lincoln is $1,345/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $872/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,206/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $975/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,691/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($71,867/yr), Lincoln ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lincoln an affordable city for renters?

Lincoln is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,345/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($71,867/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Lincoln falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Lincoln?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $54,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,345/mo in Lincoln. The local median household income is $71,867/yr, meaning the typical Lincoln household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Lincoln?

Rent in Lincoln has increased 5.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Lincoln neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Lincoln are 68508 ($854/mo), 68502 ($1,011/mo), and 68510 ($1,011/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Lincoln is $1,345/mo.

How does Lincoln rent compare to other cities in Nebraska?

Lincoln is middle-of-the-pack for Nebraska for rent, ranking #8 out of 14 tracked cities at $1,345/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Lincoln?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Lincoln ($1,345/mo): Fremont ($1,244/mo), La Vista ($1,315/mo).

What percentage of Lincoln residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 43.9% of Lincoln households are renters, while 56.1% are owner-occupied. Lincoln leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Lincoln rent compare to the national average?

Lincoln's median rent of $1,345/mo is $620 (32%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Nebraska, it ranks #8 out of 14 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,345/mo, rent takes ~22% of Lincoln's median household income ($71,867/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Lincoln 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2.46–5.84%
Run the Lincoln affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Lincoln, NE

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