Looking for an affordable place to live in Nebraska? According to the Zillow Home Value Index, which provides comprehensive housing market data, Nebraska offers several towns with relatively low housing costs compared to national averages. When you’re considering a move to the Cornhusker State, these towns may provide excellent value for your home buying dollar.
You might be surprised to learn that while Nebraska’s housing market has seen significant growth over the past 15 years, many towns still maintain affordable home values. On average, the 25 most affordable towns in Nebraska have seen home values increase by 122.55% since 2010, yet the average home value in these communities remains at just $163,267 as of February 2025.
The data reveals some fascinating trends about Nebraska’s housing market. Several small towns have experienced remarkable growth, with Lyons seeing the largest percentage increase at nearly 198% since 2010. Meanwhile, even the town with the smallest growth rate (Plainview at 62.88%) has still outpaced inflation. What’s particularly interesting is how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated growth, with these affordable towns averaging a 48.35% increase in just five years from 2020 to 2025.
1. Central City
- 2025 Home Value: $192,347.34
- 2020 Home Value: $129,988.37
- 2015 Home Value: $97,925.95
- 2010 Home Value: $81,354.12
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 136.43%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 96.42%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 47.97%
Situated in Merrick County as part of the thriving Grand Island metropolitan area, Central City tops our list while still maintaining remarkable affordability compared to Nebraska’s larger cities. Your investment in housing here would have performed admirably, with values increasing by 136.43% since 2010 to reach $192,347.34 in 2025. The growth pattern shows consistent appreciation: 20.37% from 2010-2015, 32.74% from 2015-2020, and 47.97% from 2020-2025.
2. Nebraska City
- 2025 Home Value: $191,219.26
- 2020 Home Value: $122,343.08
- 2015 Home Value: $102,865.94
- 2010 Home Value: $100,426.76
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 90.41%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 85.89%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 56.30%
Situated in Otoe County along the Missouri River in eastern Nebraska, Nebraska City offers you historical significance alongside housing affordability. When examining its growth pattern, you’ll notice a fascinating trajectory – home values increased just 2.43% from 2010-2015, followed by 18.93% from 2015-2020, and then accelerated dramatically to 56.30% from 2020-2025. This recent surge has brought the overall appreciation to 90.41% since 2010, with average values reaching $191,219.26 in 2025.
3. Madison
- 2025 Home Value: $189,659.25
- 2020 Home Value: $131,083.08
- 2015 Home Value: $94,401.66
- 2010 Home Value: $72,395.89
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 161.98%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 100.91%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 44.69%
Located in Madison County within the Norfolk metro area, Madison showcases the impressive affordability found throughout northeastern Nebraska. Since 2010, home values have surged by 161.98%, reaching $189,659.25 in 2025. When you track the growth pattern, you’ll notice steady appreciation across all three five-year periods: 30.39% from 2010-2015, 38.86% from 2015-2020, and 44.69% from 2020-2025. This consistent and substantial growth while remaining under $190,000 in average home value makes Madison particularly noteworthy if you’re seeking a combination of affordability, proven appreciation, and proximity to a regional economic center.
4. Daykin
- 2025 Home Value: $188,976.53
- 2020 Home Value: $133,628.47
- 2015 Home Value: $101,876.96
- 2010 Home Value: $94,074.45
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 100.88%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 85.49%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 41.42%
Nestled in Jefferson County in southeastern Nebraska, Daykin exemplifies the excellent value still available in many small rural communities. Your housing dollar has doubled in value here since 2010, with a 100.88% increase bringing the average home value to $188,976.53 in 2025. The growth pattern shows steady acceleration, with 8.29% from 2010-2015, 31.16% from 2015-2020, and 41.42% from 2020-2025. This consistently improving appreciation rate while maintaining affordability makes Daykin worthy of consideration if you’re seeking a small-town environment with proven housing market strength.
5. Hastings
- 2025 Home Value: $188,268.98
- 2020 Home Value: $135,023.31
- 2015 Home Value: $102,389.19
- 2010 Home Value: $93,067.12
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 102.29%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 83.88%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 39.43%
As the largest city in Adams County and the center of its own metro area in south-central Nebraska, Hastings offers you an excellent combination of city amenities with small-town affordability. Since 2010, home values have more than doubled with a 102.29% increase, reaching $188,268.98 in 2025. The growth pattern shows a steady upward trajectory, with 10.02% from 2010-2015, 31.87% from 2015-2020, and 39.43% from 2020-2025.
6. Plymouth
- 2025 Home Value: $187,128.06
- 2020 Home Value: $125,492.92
- 2015 Home Value: $96,271.73
- 2010 Home Value: $96,126.88
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 94.67%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 94.37%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 49.11%
Located in Jefferson County in southeastern Nebraska, Plymouth presents one of the most unusual growth patterns among affordable towns. You’ll notice something remarkable when examining its trajectory – home values were essentially flat from 2010 to 2015 (just 0.15% growth), but then accelerated significantly with 30.35% growth from 2015-2020 and 49.11% from 2020-2025. This pattern of dormancy followed by strong awakening has resulted in a 94.67% overall increase since 2010, bringing the average home value to $187,128.06 in 2025.
7. Oakland
- 2025 Home Value: $186,664.61
- 2020 Home Value: $108,941.85
- 2015 Home Value: $77,929.82
- 2010 Home Value: $67,385.66
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 177.01%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 139.53%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 71.34%
Situated in Burt County in eastern Nebraska, Oakland demonstrates one of the strongest growth stories among affordable Nebraska towns. Your analysis reveals that home values have increased an impressive 177.01% since 2010, reaching $186,664.61 in 2025. The growth pattern shows acceleration over time, with 15.65% from 2010-2015, 39.80% from 2015-2020, and a remarkable 71.34% from 2020-2025.
8. Tilden
- 2025 Home Value: $184,364.49
- 2020 Home Value: $130,765.99
- 2015 Home Value: $94,664.87
- 2010 Home Value: $75,402.62
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 144.51%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 94.75%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 40.99%
Located in Antelope County within the Norfolk metro area, Tilden exemplifies the strong growth seen in many northeastern Nebraska communities. Your housing investment would have performed exceptionally well here, with values increasing by 144.51% since 2010 to reach $184,364.49 in 2025. The town experienced 25.54% growth from 2010-2015, 38.13% from 2015-2020, and 40.99% from 2020-2025, showing consistent and strong appreciation across all three five-year periods.
9. Tekamah
- 2025 Home Value: $182,952.83
- 2020 Home Value: $111,849.13
- 2015 Home Value: $85,615.29
- 2010 Home Value: $75,657.70
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 141.82%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 113.69%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 63.57%
Positioned in Burt County in eastern Nebraska, Tekamah highlights the exceptional value found in many smaller towns throughout the state. Since 2010, home values have increased dramatically by 141.82%, reaching $182,952.83 in 2025. Your examination of the growth pattern shows moderate 13.16% appreciation from 2010-2015, followed by 30.64% from 2015-2020, and then accelerating to an impressive 63.57% from 2020-2025.
10. Minden
- 2025 Home Value: $182,135.04
- 2020 Home Value: $135,733.19
- 2015 Home Value: $99,286.64
- 2010 Home Value: $89,170.20
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 104.26%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 83.44%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 34.19%
Known as “The Christmas City” and located in Kearney County within the Kearney metro area, Minden offers you affordable living with proximity to a larger economic center. When tracking its growth, you’ll find home values have more than doubled since 2010 with a 104.26% increase, reaching $182,135.04 in 2025. The town saw moderate initial growth of 11.34% from 2010-2015, followed by accelerated appreciation of 36.71% from 2015-2020 and 34.19% from 2020-2025.
11. Holdrege
- 2025 Home Value: $174,756.85
- 2020 Home Value: $131,465.64
- 2015 Home Value: $107,320.45
- 2010 Home Value: $78,070.92
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 123.84%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 62.84%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 32.93%
Situated in Phelps County in south-central Nebraska, Holdrege combines small-town charm with surprising affordability. Your analysis of its growth pattern reveals an interesting trajectory – home values increased dramatically by 37.47% between 2010 and 2015, grew by another 22.50% from 2015-2020, and then saw 32.93% growth from 2020-2025. This overall 123.84% increase since 2010 has brought the average home value to $174,756.85, keeping Holdrege firmly in the affordable category despite consistent appreciation.
12. Beatrice
- 2025 Home Value: $174,065.45
- 2020 Home Value: $111,621.54
- 2015 Home Value: $84,867.50
- 2010 Home Value: $77,878.11
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 123.51%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 105.10%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 55.94%
Located in Gage County in southeastern Nebraska, Beatrice serves as the center of its own metro area while remaining remarkably affordable. Your housing dollar has appreciated well here, with values increasing by 123.51% since 2010 to reach $174,065.45 in 2025. Like several other affordable Nebraska towns, Beatrice saw modest growth from 2010-2015 (8.97%), but has experienced accelerating increases since then with 31.53% from 2015-2020 and an impressive 55.94% from 2020-2025.
13. Scottsbluff
- 2025 Home Value: $171,765.54
- 2020 Home Value: $120,862.25
- 2015 Home Value: $105,317.63
- 2010 Home Value: $103,234.90
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 66.38%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 63.09%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 42.12%
Serving as the namesake and largest city of its metro area in the Nebraska Panhandle, Scottsbluff stands out as one of the most affordable cities of its size in Nebraska. Your examination of its growth pattern reveals something interesting – home values increased only marginally between 2010 and 2015 (2.02%), but have accelerated since then with 14.76% growth from 2015-2020 and a robust 42.12% from 2020-2025. This pattern suggests a market that has found renewed momentum in recent years. At $171,765.54 in 2025, Scottsbluff offers you the amenities of a regional center with housing costs significantly below state and national averages.
14. McCook
- 2025 Home Value: $170,531.04
- 2020 Home Value: $123,988.32
- 2015 Home Value: $93,153.17
- 2010 Home Value: $80,878.49
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 110.85%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 83.07%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 37.54%
As the economic hub of Red Willow County in southwestern Nebraska, McCook offers you small city amenities while maintaining affordable housing costs. Since 2010, home values have more than doubled with a 110.85% increase, reaching $170,531.04 in 2025. The growth has been relatively consistent over the three five-year periods examined, with values increasing by 15.18% from 2010-2015, 33.10% from 2015-2020, and 37.54% from 2020-2025.
15. Emerson
- 2025 Home Value: $166,713.02
- 2020 Home Value: $122,320.93
- 2015 Home Value: $90,858.99
- 2010 Home Value: $70,530.71
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 136.37%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 83.49%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 36.29%
Located in Thurston County within the Sioux City metro area that spans Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, Emerson gives you access to a larger economic region while maintaining affordability. Since 2010, home values have increased by 136.37%, reaching $166,713.02 in 2025. The growth curve shows steady appreciation, with an 83.49% increase since 2015 and 36.29% since 2020.
16. Newman Grove
- 2025 Home Value: $161,369.77
- 2020 Home Value: $122,814.24
- 2015 Home Value: $85,812.05
- 2010 Home Value: $67,945.24
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 137.50%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 88.05%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 31.39%
Straddling both Madison and Platte counties within the Norfolk metro area, Newman Grove offers you a compelling value proposition. Home values have increased by 137.50% since 2010, bringing the average to just over $161,000 in 2025. Interestingly, Newman Grove experienced more rapid growth between 2010 and 2020 (80.76%) and has seen a more moderate increase of 31.39% in the five years since. This pattern of strong historical growth with recent moderation might suggest the market is finding a balance, potentially making this an opportune time for you to consider Newman Grove if you’re looking for affordability with less risk of being priced out by rapid future increases.
17. Indianola
- 2025 Home Value: $151,324.35
- 2020 Home Value: $109,577.63
- 2015 Home Value: $74,956.08
- 2010 Home Value: $57,352.18
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 163.85%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 101.88%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 38.10%
Nestled in Red Willow County in southwestern Nebraska, Indianola showcases one of the most impressive growth stories among affordable towns. Your housing dollar would have gone far here in 2010 when the average home value was just $57,352.18, but even with the dramatic 163.85% increase since then, Indianola remains remarkably affordable at $151,324.35 in 2025. The town has seen its values more than double since 2015, with a 101.88% increase. While the growth has moderated somewhat recently (38.10% since 2020), the overall trajectory makes Indianola an intriguing option if you’re seeking southwestern Nebraska affordability with proven appreciation potential.
18. Osmond
- 2025 Home Value: $148,337.95
- 2020 Home Value: $100,166.36
- 2015 Home Value: $76,292.54
- 2010 Home Value: $68,118.42
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 117.76%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 94.43%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 48.09%
Situated in Pierce County within the Norfolk metro area, Osmond gives you an impressive combination of affordability and growth. Since 2010, home values have more than doubled with a 117.76% increase, reaching just over $148,000 in 2025. The growth has been remarkably consistent, with values nearly doubling since 2015 (94.43%) and increasing by almost half (48.09%) just in the past five years. If you’re considering northeastern Nebraska, Osmond’s strong growth trajectory while maintaining affordability makes it worthy of your consideration for relocation or investment.
19. Morrill
- 2025 Home Value: $146,547.80
- 2020 Home Value: $96,482.67
- 2015 Home Value: $79,769.68
- 2010 Home Value: $75,828.04
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 93.26%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 83.71%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 51.89%
Located in Scotts Bluff County in western Nebraska, Morrill offers you remarkable value in the Scottsbluff metro area. Home values have nearly doubled since 2010, with a 93.26% increase bringing the average to just over $146,500 in 2025. The town has shown particularly strong growth in recent years, with a robust 51.89% increase since 2020. This combination of current affordability and healthy appreciation makes Morrill an attractive option if you’re looking to relocate to western Nebraska, providing good value today with promising growth potential for tomorrow.
20. Plainview
- 2025 Home Value: $139,414.13
- 2020 Home Value: $106,057.07
- 2015 Home Value: $81,641.43
- 2010 Home Value: $85,594.19
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 62.88%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 70.76%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 31.45%
Positioned in Pierce County within the Norfolk metro area, Plainview presents an interesting case study in Nebraska’s housing market. When you examine its growth trajectory, you’ll notice it’s the only town among the most affordable that experienced a decrease in home values between 2010 and 2015. Despite this early dip, Plainview has rebounded nicely with a 70.76% increase since 2015. While its overall 15-year growth rate of 62.88% is the lowest among the 25 most affordable towns, this more modest appreciation has helped maintain Plainview’s excellent affordability, making it an appealing option if you’re looking for stability rather than rapid price increases.
21. Curtis
- 2025 Home Value: $134,938.30
- 2020 Home Value: $91,061.88
- 2015 Home Value: $72,840.46
- 2010 Home Value: $61,175.87
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 120.57%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 85.25%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 48.18%
Tucked away in Frontier County within the North Platte metro area, Curtis rounds out the top five most affordable Nebraska towns. Your housing dollar stretches impressively far here, with 2025 home values averaging just under $135,000. Since 2010, Curtis has seen consistent growth, with values more than doubling (120.57% increase). While not as explosive as some other affordable towns, the steady appreciation trend provides good evidence of the town’s stability. The 48.18% growth since 2020 suggests Curtis continues to gain value at a healthy pace while maintaining its affordability advantage.
22. Decatur
- 2025 Home Value: $134,709.67
- 2020 Home Value: $80,456.66
- 2015 Home Value: $52,948.34
- 2010 Home Value: $49,892.70
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 170.00%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 154.42%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 67.43%
Also located in Burt County along the Missouri River, Decatur gives you one of Nebraska’s strongest housing growth stories. Since 2010, home values have surged by an impressive 170%, increasing from just under $50,000 to over $134,000 in 2025. The past decade has been particularly strong, with values more than doubling since 2015 (154.42% increase). Even in the most recent five-year period, Decatur has seen robust 67.43% growth. These growth patterns, combined with the town’s still-affordable price point, make Decatur a compelling option if you’re looking for both current affordability and potential for future appreciation.
23. Lyons
- 2025 Home Value: $124,500.95
- 2020 Home Value: $61,881.43
- 2015 Home Value: $41,999.80
- 2010 Home Value: $41,839.50
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 197.57%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 196.43%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 101.19%
Situated in Burt County, Lyons has experienced the most dramatic growth among all affordable Nebraska towns. When you look at the numbers, you’ll be amazed to discover that home values have nearly tripled since 2010, with an astounding 197.57% increase. Even more impressive is the recent surge – in just the last five years, values have more than doubled with a 101.19% increase since 2020. Despite this remarkable growth, Lyons remains the third most affordable town in Nebraska, offering you exceptional value with the confidence of strong historical appreciation.
24. Fairbury
- 2025 Home Value: $113,430.66
- 2020 Home Value: $71,086.10
- 2015 Home Value: $53,997.12
- 2010 Home Value: $59,230.25
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 91.51%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 110.07%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 59.57%
Located in Jefferson County, Fairbury stands as the second most affordable community in Nebraska. What’s fascinating about Fairbury’s growth trajectory is that it saw a slight dip in home values between 2010 and 2015, but has experienced explosive growth since then. From 2015 to 2025, home values have more than doubled with a 110.07% increase. The past five years have been particularly hot, with values increasing by nearly 60% since 2020. If you’re seeking affordability with strong appreciation potential, Fairbury’s recent growth pattern might make it an especially attractive consideration for your next home purchase.
25. Wymore
- 2025 Home Value: $95,562.09
- 2020 Home Value: $69,465.15
- 2015 Home Value: $53,360.83
- 2010 Home Value: $49,340.76
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 93.68%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 79.09%
- Change from 2020 to 2025: 37.57%
Nestled in Gage County in southeastern Nebraska, Wymore offers you the most affordable housing in the entire state. Since 2010, home values in this small town have nearly doubled, jumping from $49,340.76 to $95,562.09 in 2025. The period between 2020 and 2025 saw particularly strong growth at 37.57%. Despite this impressive growth, Wymore remains incredibly affordable compared to state and national averages, making it an attractive option if you’re looking to maximize your housing dollar while enjoying small-town Nebraska living.
