Lincoln

NELincoln Metropolitan Area

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$310,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
293,000 (2024 estimate)
Population
$67,000 (2024 estimate)
Median Income
Lincoln Public Schools: B+ to A- (Niche 2024)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$310,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
$167 (June 2025)
Price per Sq Ft
-4.6% month-over-month; +3.2% year-over-year (Feb 2025)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market20 days to pending (Feb 2025)
Market TypeCompetitive, but cooling with increased inventory
Months of Supply~2.5 months (inventory up 27.9% MoM June 2025)

Sales Activity

Sales Volume346 homes sold in June 2025; 212 homes sold in Jan 2025 (down 12% YoY)
Metro AreaLincoln Metropolitan Area
Population293,000 (2024 estimate)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment Rate2.6% (2024 estimate)
Job Growth Rate1.2% (2024 estimate)
Median Household Income$67,000 (2024 estimate)

Major Employers

  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Bryan Health
  • State of Nebraska
  • Lincoln Public Schools
  • Ameritas

Demographics

293,000 (2024 estimate)
Population
33.7 years
Median Age
~0.8% annually (2023–2024)
Population Growth
38% bachelor’s degree or higher
Education Level

Family Composition

Mix of families, young professionals, and retirees

Key Industries

EducationHealthcareGovernmentInsuranceManufacturing

Education

School District

Lincoln Public Schools: B+ to A- (Niche 2024)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Lincoln East High School
  • Lincoln Southeast High School
  • Kloefkorn Elementary

Higher Education

  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • Southeast Community College

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • South Beltway completion (2024)
  • Downtown revitalization initiatives

Transportation

  • Expanded bus rapid transit (StarTran)
  • Bike lane expansions

Planned Developments

  • Mixed-use developments in Haymarket District
  • New residential subdivisions in southeast Lincoln

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Holmes Lake Park
  • Wilderness Park
  • MoPac Trail

Dining & Entertainment

  • Haymarket District restaurants
  • Local breweries
  • Live music venues

Cultural Attractions

  • Sheldon Museum of Art
  • Pinnacle Bank Arena
  • Lincoln Children's Zoo

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Rising rental demand from university and healthcare workers
  • Increased inventory offers more options for buyers
  • Steady appreciation in core neighborhoods

Growth Outlook

Moderate growth expected, with stabilization as inventory increases and prices adjust.

Market Risks

  • Recent dip in sales volume (-12% YoY Jan 2025)
  • Potential for further price corrections if inventory continues to rise
  • Interest rate volatility

Rental Market

Strong demand; vacancy rates remain low near university and medical centers.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Young professionals
  • First-time buyers
  • Families relocating for jobs or education

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow/Realtor.com listings
  • Facebook and Instagram ads
  • Local real estate events

Pricing Strategies

Price slightly below recent comps to attract multiple offers in a cooling market.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Worried about declining home values.

Response Strategy:

Show long-term appreciation trends and emphasize Lincoln’s economic stability.

Objection: High interest rates make buying less affordable.

Response Strategy:

Highlight adjustable-rate or buydown mortgage options and negotiate seller concessions.

Objection: Too much competition from new builds.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize established neighborhood amenities and mature landscaping.

Professional Recommendations

1

Advise sellers to price competitively and invest in staging.

2

Encourage buyers to act quickly on well-priced homes but negotiate for concessions.

3

Highlight Lincoln’s economic stability and rental demand to investors.

4

Stay updated on inventory trends and adjust marketing strategies seasonally.

5

Leverage virtual tours and digital marketing to reach remote buyers.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Omaha, NE
  • Des Moines, IA
  • Sioux Falls, SD

Market Positioning

Affordable, stable Midwest market with moderate growth and strong rental fundamentals.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower median home price than Omaha or Des Moines
  • Stable job market with major public sector employers
  • Strong rental demand from university presence

Price Comparison

Lincoln’s median home price ($310,000) is lower than Omaha ($340,000) and Des Moines ($325,000) as of mid-2025.

Investment Metrics

5.5%–6.5% for single-family rentals near university
Cap Rates
6%–7% gross annual yield in core neighborhoods
Rental Yields
~15–17 (favorable for investors)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20% down in most submarkets
Cash Flow
2%–3% annual appreciation expected over next 2 years
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Benefit from increased inventory and more negotiating room; should budget for higher rates.

Move-Up Buyers

Can leverage equity gains from previous sales; more options in mid-tier market.

Downsizers

Find value in established neighborhoods and low-maintenance homes.

Investors

Target university and healthcare worker rentals for steady cash flow.

Relocators

Attracted by job opportunities, affordable cost of living, and quality schools.

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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