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Lincoln, North Dakota

Quality of Life in Lincoln

Detailed quality of life data — sourced from authoritative datasets and normalized for direct comparison.

Quality of Life in Lincoln, North Dakota

Lincoln offers a high quality of life, reflected in its ranking as one of the best state capitals to live in. Residents enjoy exceptional public safety, well-maintained infrastructure, and strong public schools. The city provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities with a 187-mile network of public trails, with 95% of residents living within a mile of a trail. The presence of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln contributes to a vibrant college-town atmosphere and academic flair. Lincoln is also recognized as a welcoming community, known as a refugee resettlement city, with 30,000 immigrants and refugees from approximately 150 countries calling it home.

Quality of Life Scores

Overall Score
72.0
Livability
74
Affordability
65
Business
68
Growth
70

About Lincoln, North Dakota

Lincoln, Nebraska, the state capital and second-largest city, is home to over 300,000 residents and spans approximately 104 square miles. Situated between Chicago and Denver, it serves as a hub for governmental and educational institutions, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which enrolls 24,000 students. The city's history dates back thousands of years, with American Indian tribes inhabiting the area along Salt Creek before westward settlers were drawn to the abundant salt deposits. Lincoln is recognized for its thriving economy, numerous amenities, and affordability, earning it a reputation as a desirable place to live. The city has experienced a consistent population growth rate of 1% to 1.5% over the last 50 years.

About North Dakota

North Dakota, located in the Upper Midwest, is characterized by its vast prairies, badlands, and a predominantly rural landscape, though its larger cities like Fargo and Bismarck are experiencing growth. The state's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with approximately 90% of its land dedicated to farmland, producing crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans, alongside significant contributions from the energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction from the Bakken oil shale fields. Living in North Dakota generally offers a lower cost of living, with housing costs and overall expenses typically below the national average. The climate features hot, short summers and long, cold, snowy winters, and the lifestyle is often described as slower-paced with a strong sense of community and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.