Grand Island 78 Exceptional
Grand Island Livability #51 ranked city in Nebraska#2,558 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Grand Island

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

What's it like Living in Grand Island?

Grand Island, Nebraska is a medium-sized city with a population of 53,008 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Grand Island is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Grand Island are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 24% of the population also speak Spanish. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Grand Island will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in Grand Island can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Nebraska, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Grand Island and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Nebraska and national averages.

Using data and statistics Grand Island has received a livability score of 78/100. This score is ranked in the 92nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Grand Island is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Grand Island is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Grand Island has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (B), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Grand Island does not fare well for the following: crime (D). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're considering living in Grand Island, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Grand Island provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Grand Island has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Grand Island meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Grand Island. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Grand Island are simply unattainable. The median home price for Grand Island homes is $269,731, which is 10.1% higher than the Nebraska average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Grand Island, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 10% higher than the Nebraska average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Grand Island

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Grand Island?

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Compare Grand Island, NE Livability

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      Grand Island transportation information

      Statistic Grand Island Nebraska National
      Average one way commute17min18min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.8%81.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.5%9.4%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%0.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home2.1%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Grand Island, NE data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.