Omaha, Nebraska

Warren Buffett's hometown with heartland values

Midwest Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA Metro

U.S. News (2025)

#41 Best Places to Live

Forbes (2024)

#8 Best Cities for Families

WhereAtHome Score

74.7

C

out of 100

Overview

Omaha combines Midwestern affordability with surprising cultural depth, from its renowned zoo to a vibrant Old Market district. Home to Berkshire Hathaway and several Fortune 500 companies, the city offers strong employment opportunities. Low cost of living and short commutes make it attractive for families seeking value.

Key Highlights

  • Home to Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett
  • Henry Doorly Zoo - one of world's best
  • Historic Old Market entertainment district
  • Very affordable cost of living
  • Strong insurance and finance sectors
  • Growing tech startup scene

Key Metrics

Population 2024

492,374

Source: Census ACS

$299,344

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$65,562

Source: Census ACS

20.4 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

43

Source: Walk Score

School Rating

2025

B+ (7.4/10)

Source: Curated

91 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Douglas County (county-level results)

54%
44%
Democrat 148,733
Republican 120,919
Leans D+10.2

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

88°F

Winter Low

15°F

Annual Rainfall

31"

Sunny Days

214

Amenities & Infrastructure

260+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

6 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

4 Universities

Higher education institutions

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

Berkshire Hathaway Union Pacific Mutual of Omaha ConAgra

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 68.6/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 60.3/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 71.6/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 50/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 43/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 49.2/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 74.7

Location

Omaha, NE (41.2565, -95.9345)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.