Nebraska: A Great Place for Families and High-Paying Jobs

Nebraska, famously known as “The Cornhusker State,” is a Midwestern state that is rich in both agriculture and industry. It is also known for its prairies, plains, and notable landmarks, such as Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Carhenge. While the state might not be as popular as its more renowned neighbors, it offers a high quality of living for families.

An Affordable Place to Raise a Family

For families with both working parents and two kids, the cost of living in Nebraska is relatively affordable compared to other states in the country. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the cost of living for a family of four in Lincoln, Nebraska is 5.8% lower than the national average, making it an attractive place to settle down and raise a family.

The housing cost in Nebraska is particularly affordable. A median-priced home in Nebraska costs $174,100, and the state has a homeownership rate of 64.8%, indicating that many families have invested in buying their own homes rather than renting. Childcare expenses are also reasonably priced, with the average cost of daycare for two children being $1,124 per month, which is lower than the national average of $1,400 per month in 2020, according to Care.com. Other expenses, such as healthcare and groceries, are also more affordable than the national cost of living averages.

Nebraska is also an ideal place to raise children. The state offers a high quality of life, with a wide range of excellent schools that provide a high level of education for children. The state also provides support programs to help families who need it, such as food assistance programs, childcare services, and health care services. Additionally, there are plenty of recreational activities for families to participate in, like hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing, making it an attractive state to live in for those who love outdoor activities.

A Strong and Diverse Economy

Furthermore, Nebraska has a strong and diverse economy that provides numerous job opportunities for both parents. Nebraska’s economy is well diversified, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors that provide a stable source of employment. The average annual salary in Nebraska is $49,000, which is 7.5% lower than the national average, but the state’s lower cost of living means that families can still live comfortably. The state’s low unemployment rate of 3.1% is also a good indicator of its job market’s stability, meaning that the chances of being unemployed for a prolonged period are relatively low.

The Best-Paid Jobs in Nebraska

Living in the biggest cities in Nebraska such as Omaha or Lincoln, for example, has an average cost of living which is in line with the national average, whereas living in more rural areas of the state can cost considerably less. It is worth noting that even in the cities with high living costs, the salaries for the top-paying jobs are enough to provide a comfortable lifestyle.

According to the salary data provided, management occupations are the highest-paid jobs in Nebraska, with an average annual salary of $111,384. This is followed by marketing managers at $115,148.80, financial managers at $133,473.60, and sales managers at $128,419.20. The top-paying jobs in Nebraska are all in the management sector, which means that individuals with strong leadership skills and experience can truly have a prosperous career here.

Aside from management positions, other top-paying jobs in Nebraska include occupational therapists, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, and software developers. These jobs all offer average annual salaries above $95,000, indicating that they are both lucrative and in-demand careers.

Although the cost of living in Nebraska is less than many other states in the US, it is still important to note that it is not the cheapest place to live. Therefore, it is crucial to find a job that can provide not only a competitive salary but also a comfortable standard of living. A high salary combined with the low cost of living in Nebraska makes it possible for individuals to achieve a great quality of life.

Conclusion

Nebraska offers a lot of advantages for families with two working parents and two kids. Not only is the state’s cost of living affordable, but it is also a great place to raise children with excellent schools, child care, and recreational activities. Nebraska’s economy is stable and diversified, providing ample job opportunities for parents in various sectors of the economy. Overall, Nebraska offers a high quality of life for families looking to settle down and experience all the benefits that the state has to offer.