Lincoln Named Best City for Renters

Published on June 12, 2024

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today said Lincoln’s ranking by Forbes Advisor as the number one city in the nation for renters further confirms the city’s status as the Quality-of-Life Capital of the country.

Forbes Advisor analyzed 95 of the most-populous cities across 21 metrics spanning three categories: affordability, availability and amenities, and lifestyle and safety. View the full study at https://www.forbes.com/advisor/renters-insurance/best-cities-for-renters/.

“Lincoln’s top ranking as the best city for renters reinforces our community’s status as the quality-of-life capital of the country. We are proud to offer a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive, thanks to affordable rent prices, a strong job market, and safe neighborhoods,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird.

According to Forbes, Lincoln ranked in the top 10 in the following metrics:

• Fifth best for median monthly rent price at $1,225, compared to the study average of $1,995.
• 10th best for rent as a percentage of income at 17.6%, compared to the study average of 21.3%.
• Fourth best for the number of available rentals per 100,000 households with 394, compared to the study average of 164.
• Ninth best for the average monthly price per sq. ft. at $1.33 (a tie with Winston-Salem), compared to the study average of $2.09.
• Fourth best for its 2.6% unemployment rate, compared to the study average of 4.1%.

“Lincoln, Nebraska ranked as the best city for renters in Forbes Advisor’s report due in part to its below-average median rent prices and above-average availability of rentals,” said Jason Metz, Forbes Advisor Renters Insurance Lead Editor. “Lincoln also has an affordable rent-to-income ratio (17.6%) and a very low unemployment rate (2.6%). Additionally, the city ranked well in our violent crime metric. Lincoln exemplifies an affordable and safe community for price-conscious renters while having plenty of available rentals to choose from.”