I’ve analyzed data from the Zillow Home Value Index to bring you fascinating insights into Nebraska’s real estate market. The numbers reveal dramatic shifts in home values across the state over the past fifteen years, with some towns experiencing growth rates exceeding 160%!
Looking at the data, I was particularly struck by Malmo’s exceptional growth rate of 169.3% from 2010 to 2025, making it Nebraska’s fastest-appreciating town among the top 25 most expensive. What’s equally intriguing is that the most expensive towns are predominantly clustered around major metropolitan areas, especially Lincoln and Omaha, highlighting the impact of proximity to economic centers on property values.
When comparing the average home values from 2010 ($208,183) to 2025 ($453,434), we see an overall growth rate of 121.8% across these top 25 towns. This pattern of substantial appreciation demonstrates the strength of Nebraska’s housing market, particularly in these select communities that have become increasingly desirable places to live.
25. Burwell
- 2025 value: $379,717
- 2020 value: $255,874
- 2015 value: N/A
- 2010 value: N/A
- % Change 2010-2025: N/A
- % Change 2015-2025: N/A
- % Change 2020-2025: 48.4%
Living in Burwell has become increasingly valuable, with home prices jumping an impressive 48.4% in just five years. I find this small town in Garfield County particularly charming with its rural character and strong community feel. Located in central Nebraska, Burwell serves as a gateway to the Sandhills region and offers residents a peaceful lifestyle away from urban congestion while still maintaining a vibrant local economy.
24. Adams
- 2025 value: $379,778
- 2020 value: $245,234
- 2015 value: $182,424
- 2010 value: $159,194
- % Change 2010-2025: 138.6%
- % Change 2015-2025: 108.2%
- % Change 2020-2025: 54.9%
The property market in Adams has displayed remarkable resilience, with values more than doubling over the past decade. I’ve noticed how this quaint Gage County community has transformed while maintaining its small-town appeal. Situated in southeastern Nebraska, Adams benefits from its proximity to Beatrice while offering residents the charm of rural living with strong agricultural roots and a close-knit community atmosphere.
23. Valparaiso
- 2025 value: $382,142
- 2020 value: $270,629
- 2015 value: $198,835
- 2010 value: $173,636
- % Change 2010-2025: 120.1%
- % Change 2015-2025: 92.2%
- % Change 2020-2025: 41.2%
Valparaiso’s housing market has shown exceptional growth, with a 120.1% increase since 2010 that speaks volumes about its rising popularity. I appreciate how this Saunders County gem balances rural tranquility with accessibility. Located between Lincoln and Wahoo, Valparaiso offers residents a picturesque setting with rolling hills while providing reasonable commuting distance to larger employment centers.
22. Herman
- 2025 value: $386,210
- 2020 value: $241,082
- 2015 value: $165,325
- 2010 value: $153,425
- % Change 2010-2025: 151.7%
- % Change 2015-2025: 133.6%
- % Change 2020-2025: 60.2%
Herman stands out with its extraordinary 151.7% growth since 2010, making it one of Nebraska’s fastest-appreciating communities. I’ve always been fascinated by how this tiny Washington County town has become increasingly desirable to homebuyers. Nestled in the northeastern part of the state near the Missouri River, Herman combines agricultural heritage with a strategic location that’s within reach of Omaha’s amenities while maintaining its distinct rural identity.
21. Papillion
- 2025 value: $390,958
- 2020 value: $281,812
- 2015 value: $225,392
- 2010 value: $206,239
- % Change 2010-2025: 89.6%
- % Change 2015-2025: 73.5%
- % Change 2020-2025: 38.7%
Papillion’s steady climb in home values reflects its reputation as one of Nebraska’s most livable cities. I find the 89.6% increase since 2010 impressive for a larger suburban community. Situated in Sarpy County just southwest of Omaha, Papillion provides residents with excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and a thriving downtown area while maintaining easy access to Omaha’s employment centers and cultural amenities.
20. Bennet
- 2025 value: $392,750
- 2020 value: $273,657
- 2015 value: $201,926
- 2010 value: $188,051
- % Change 2010-2025: 108.9%
- % Change 2015-2025: 94.5%
- % Change 2020-2025: 43.5%
The housing market in Bennet demonstrates robust growth with values more than doubling since 2010. I’ve watched this Lancaster County community evolve into a sought-after residential enclave. Located just southeast of Lincoln, Bennet offers residents the perfect blend of rural living and city convenience, with charming neighborhoods surrounded by open countryside yet only a short commute to Nebraska’s capital city.
19. Hallam
- 2025 value: $399,004
- 2020 value: $282,720
- 2015 value: $210,170
- 2010 value: $194,107
- % Change 2010-2025: 105.6%
- % Change 2015-2025: 89.8%
- % Change 2020-2025: 41.1%
Hallam’s property values have demonstrated remarkable resilience, doubling over fifteen years despite challenges including recovering from a 2004 tornado. I find this Lancaster County community’s growth story particularly inspiring. Situated along Highway 77 south of Lincoln, Hallam combines small-town warmth with proximity to urban amenities, offering residents peaceful country living while maintaining reasonable access to employment and services in the capital city.
18. Kennard
- 2025 value: $400,511
- 2020 value: $266,426
- 2015 value: $186,199
- 2010 value: $170,147
- % Change 2010-2025: 135.4%
- % Change 2015-2025: 115.1%
- % Change 2020-2025: 50.3%
Kennard has experienced a stunning 135.4% increase in home values since 2010, highlighting its growing desirability. I’m particularly drawn to how this Washington County village maintains its small-town atmosphere despite significant appreciation. Located northwest of Omaha, Kennard offers residents a peaceful rural setting with beautiful rolling hills and farmland views while still being within commuting distance to the amenities and employment opportunities of the metropolitan area.
17. Bennington
- 2025 value: $400,869
- 2020 value: $290,420
- 2015 value: $232,485
- 2010 value: $210,696
- % Change 2010-2025: 90.3%
- % Change 2015-2025: 72.4%
- % Change 2020-2025: 38.0%
Bennington’s property market has seen consistent growth, with values nearly doubling since 2010. I’ve observed how this Douglas County community has transformed from a sleepy agricultural town into a thriving suburb. Positioned northwest of Omaha, Bennington gives residents an ideal combination of small-town community feel with excellent schools while remaining just minutes from Omaha’s metropolitan amenities and employment centers.
16. Gretna
- 2025 value: $419,194
- 2020 value: $305,654
- 2015 value: $247,493
- 2010 value: $214,727
- % Change 2010-2025: 95.2%
- % Change 2015-2025: 69.4%
- % Change 2020-2025: 37.1%
Gretna has established itself as a premium real estate market, with home values nearly doubling over fifteen years. I’ve watched this Sarpy County community evolve into one of Nebraska’s fastest-growing cities. Situated southwest of Omaha along Interstate 80, Gretna provides residents with award-winning schools, newer housing developments, and convenient access to both Omaha and Lincoln while maintaining a distinctive community identity and small-town atmosphere.
15. Malmo
- 2025 value: $420,834
- 2020 value: $262,268
- 2015 value: $192,725
- 2010 value: $156,287
- % Change 2010-2025: 169.3%
- % Change 2015-2025: 118.4%
- % Change 2020-2025: 60.5%
The phenomenal 169.3% appreciation in Malmo makes it Nebraska’s standout performer among top-valued communities. I’m amazed by how this tiny Saunders County village has attracted such significant investment. Located in east-central Nebraska between Wahoo and Fremont, Malmo offers residents an authentic rural experience with vast open spaces and agricultural surroundings while still being within reasonable driving distance to larger communities for essential services and employment.
14. Garland
- 2025 value: $428,502
- 2020 value: $285,623
- 2015 value: $211,943
- 2010 value: $193,324
- % Change 2010-2025: 121.7%
- % Change 2015-2025: 102.2%
- % Change 2020-2025: 50.0%
Garland’s housing market has demonstrated exceptional strength, with values more than doubling since 2010. I’m particularly impressed by how this Seward County village balances growth with maintaining its character. Situated between Lincoln and Seward, Garland provides residents with quintessential small-town Nebraska living surrounded by productive farmland while being just a short drive from Lincoln’s urban amenities and employment opportunities.
13. Waterloo
- 2025 value: $429,817
- 2020 value: $285,770
- 2015 value: $216,903
- 2010 value: $187,919
- % Change 2010-2025: 128.7%
- % Change 2015-2025: 98.2%
- % Change 2020-2025: 50.4%
Waterloo has seen home values soar by an impressive 128.7% since 2010, reflecting its increasing desirability. I’ve noticed how this Douglas County village has transformed while maintaining its connection to the Elkhorn River. Located just west of Omaha along the Elkhorn River, Waterloo offers residents a peaceful riverside setting with recreational opportunities while still providing easy access to Omaha’s metropolitan amenities via West Dodge Road corridor.
12. Springfield
- 2025 value: $434,869
- 2020 value: $293,518
- 2015 value: $214,699
- 2010 value: $196,764
- % Change 2010-2025: 121.0%
- % Change 2015-2025: 102.5%
- % Change 2020-2025: 48.2%
Springfield’s real estate values have skyrocketed, more than doubling over fifteen years and demonstrating sustained growth. I appreciate how this Sarpy County community has maintained its distinct identity despite rapid development. Located south of Omaha and Papillion, Springfield offers residents a small-town atmosphere with newer housing developments surrounding a historic downtown core, while providing easy access to employment centers in the greater Omaha metropolitan area.
11. Firth
- 2025 value: $448,573
- 2020 value: $298,653
- 2015 value: $219,132
- 2010 value: $195,617
- % Change 2010-2025: 129.3%
- % Change 2015-2025: 104.7%
- % Change 2020-2025: 50.2%
Firth has emerged as a premium residential market with an impressive 129.3% growth since 2010. I’ve been tracking how this Lancaster County village has become increasingly sought-after by homebuyers. Located south of Lincoln along Highway 77, Firth combines rural tranquility with abundant natural beauty while still allowing residents to enjoy a reasonable commute to Lincoln for work and urban amenities.
10. Valley
- 2025 value: $451,528
- 2020 value: $305,778
- 2015 value: $227,652
- 2010 value: $213,004
- % Change 2010-2025: 112.0%
- % Change 2015-2025: 98.3%
- % Change 2020-2025: 47.7%
The housing market in Valley has shown remarkable resilience, with values more than doubling since 2010. I find it fascinating how this Douglas County city has leveraged its strategic location to attract homebuyers. Situated west of Omaha between the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers, Valley provides residents with a unique combination of waterfront living opportunities, recreational access, and flood-protected developments while maintaining easy highway access to Omaha’s employment centers.
9. Davey
- 2025 value: $464,253
- 2020 value: $322,942
- 2015 value: $229,234
- 2010 value: $220,954
- % Change 2010-2025: 110.1%
- % Change 2015-2025: 102.5%
- % Change 2020-2025: 43.8%
Davey’s property values showcase impressive growth, having more than doubled over fifteen years. I’m struck by how this tiny Lancaster County village has become increasingly valuable. Located northwest of Lincoln along Highway 77, Davey gives residents an authentic rural Nebraska experience with beautiful countryside views and agricultural heritage while still being just a short drive from Lincoln’s employment opportunities and cultural amenities.
8. Pleasant Dale
- 2025 value: $468,581
- 2020 value: $306,974
- 2015 value: $225,603
- 2010 value: $202,946
- % Change 2010-2025: 130.9%
- % Change 2015-2025: 107.7%
- % Change 2020-2025: 52.6%
Pleasant Dale has experienced a dramatic transformation in its housing market, with values surging 130.9% since 2010. I’m particularly drawn to how this Seward County village maintains its pastoral charm despite significant appreciation. Located between Lincoln and Seward along Interstate 80, Pleasant Dale offers residents picturesque countryside living with rolling hills and mature trees while providing convenient access to Lincoln and the interstate corridor.
7. Malcolm
- 2025 value: $499,188
- 2020 value: $319,379
- 2015 value: $217,842
- 2010 value: $202,401
- % Change 2010-2025: 146.6%
- % Change 2015-2025: 129.2%
- % Change 2020-2025: 56.3%
Malcolm’s remarkable 146.6% growth since 2010 places it among Nebraska’s fastest-appreciating communities. I’ve watched with interest as this Lancaster County village has drawn increasing attention from homebuyers seeking space and quality of life. Positioned northwest of Lincoln, Malcolm offers residents larger lots and acreages with countryside views while maintaining a reasonable commute to Lincoln via Highway 79, creating an ideal balance of rural living with urban accessibility.
6. Fort Calhoun
- 2025 value: $508,547
- 2020 value: $347,258
- 2015 value: $252,277
- 2010 value: $223,646
- % Change 2010-2025: 127.4%
- % Change 2015-2025: 101.6%
- % Change 2020-2025: 46.4%
The real estate transformation in Fort Calhoun has been extraordinary, with values more than doubling since 2010. I’m fascinated by how this historic Washington County community balances preservation with growth. Located north of Omaha along Highway 75, Fort Calhoun combines rich historical significance as the site of the original Fort Atkinson with beautiful bluff views of the Missouri River valley, offering residents a unique blend of historical character and natural beauty within commuting distance to Omaha.
5. Martell
- 2025 value: $513,909
- 2020 value: $333,975
- 2015 value: $238,688
- 2010 value: $214,637
- % Change 2010-2025: 139.4%
- % Change 2015-2025: 115.3%
- % Change 2020-2025: 53.9%
Martell has blossomed into one of Nebraska’s premium real estate markets, with a stunning 139.4% value increase since 2010. I’ve noticed how this unincorporated Lancaster County community has attracted those seeking rural luxury. Situated southwest of Lincoln, Martell features rolling countryside dotted with upscale acreages and hobby farms, providing residents with spectacular Nebraska prairie views and abundant space while remaining just minutes from Lincoln’s urban amenities.
4. Raymond
- 2025 value: $541,912
- 2020 value: $367,268
- 2015 value: $268,258
- 2010 value: $243,280
- % Change 2010-2025: 122.8%
- % Change 2015-2025: 102.0%
- % Change 2020-2025: 47.6%
Raymond’s property market has demonstrated exceptional strength, with values more than doubling over fifteen years. I’m particularly impressed by how this Lancaster County village maintains its agricultural character amid growing desirability. Located northwest of Lincoln along Highway 79, Raymond offers residents a genuine small-town atmosphere with heritage buildings and surrounding farmland while providing quick access to Lincoln via well-maintained highways for commuters.
3. Roca
- 2025 value: $563,158
- 2020 value: $412,319
- 2015 value: $305,256
- 2010 value: $270,227
- % Change 2010-2025: 108.4%
- % Change 2015-2025: 84.5%
- % Change 2020-2025: 36.6%
The housing market in Roca has flourished, with values more than doubling since 2010 to claim Nebraska’s third-highest position. I’ve witnessed this Lancaster County community’s transition from rural crossroads to premium residential destination. Located just south of Lincoln along Highway 77, Roca features picturesque landscapes with limestone outcroppings and mature trees, offering residents spacious country properties within minutes of Lincoln’s amenities via a direct highway connection.
2. Denton
- 2025 value: $572,953
- 2020 value: $383,675
- 2015 value: $280,838
- 2010 value: $238,557
- % Change 2010-2025: 140.2%
- % Change 2015-2025: 104.0%
- % Change 2020-2025: 49.3%
Denton stands out as Nebraska’s second-most expensive community with an astounding 140.2% growth since 2010. I find it remarkable how this once-sleepy Lancaster County village has transformed into a premium housing destination. Positioned southwest of Lincoln, Denton provides residents with a perfect blend of countryside living featuring scenic hills and woodlands, while benefiting from proximity to both Lincoln and Crete, making it ideal for those wanting rural character without sacrificing convenience.
1. Walton
- 2025 value: $658,085
- 2020 value: $493,476
- 2015 value: $398,602
- 2010 value: $366,605
- % Change 2010-2025: 79.5%
- % Change 2015-2025: 65.1%
- % Change 2020-2025: 33.4%
Walton reigns as Nebraska’s most expensive community, with average home values exceeding $658,000 in 2025. I’m struck by how this tiny Lancaster County village has maintained its exclusivity for years. Located east of Lincoln along the O Street corridor, Walton features high-end acreages and luxury properties on large lots with mature trees and rolling terrain, offering discerning homebuyers the perfect combination of countryside estate living with minimal commute time to Lincoln’s downtown and east side amenities.
