Lincoln, NE Rental Market
Lincoln is Nebraska's state capital and home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Big Ten research university with over 25,000 students and a major driver of the local economy. State government employment, the UNL research enterprise, and a growing insurance and financial services sector provide a diversified tenant base. Lincoln's consistently high rankings for quality of life, safety, and affordability — combined with a Husker football culture that fills the stadium on fall Saturdays — make it one of the more livable mid-size university capitals in the nation.
Get a rent estimate for an address in LincolnAverage Rent in Lincoln, NE
$1,020
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Lincoln, NE Rental Market
- Average rent in Lincoln, NE:$1,020/mo
- Median rent:$938/mo
- Rent range:$500 – $2,250/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$900/mo
- Active listings:820
- Avg days to lease:32 days
- Year-over-year change:+3.0%
- Median home value:$195,000
- Est. gross annual yield:6.3%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Lincoln, NE
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Lincoln.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $725/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $900/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,150/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $1,400/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $1,600/mo |
Lincoln Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Lincoln, NE rental market.
820
Available now in Lincoln
32
From list to lease
$0.82
Average across listings
1,250 sq ft
Typical rental size
$500 – $2,250
Min to max active listings
+3.0%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Lincoln, NE Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$195,000
Typical purchase price in Lincoln
Est. Gross Annual Yield
6.3%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$1,020
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Lincoln for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Lincoln, NE Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Lincoln, NE.
What is the average rent in Lincoln, NE?
The average rent in Lincoln, NE is $1,020 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $725/mo, two-bedrooms average $900/mo, and three-bedroom homes average $1,150/mo. The Near South neighborhood and areas near UNL's city campus see the highest demand among students and young professionals, while southeast Lincoln offers newer family-oriented rentals at similar price points.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to invest in rental property?
Lincoln offers a 6.3% estimated gross annual yield with 3.0% year-over-year rent growth. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's 25,000+ students create persistent near-campus rental demand, while state government and the Assurity Life/Sandhills Publishing professional community add stability. Median home values near $195,000 provide accessible entry points for investors seeking both cash flow and steady appreciation.
How competitive is the Lincoln, NE rental market?
Lincoln has approximately 820 active listings and averages 32 days on market. The August semester start creates a predictable demand surge near UNL's East Campus and City Campus. Properties near the Haymarket District, Lincoln's revitalized arts and restaurant corridor, attract young professionals and see year-round demand. Investors should plan for academic-calendar lease cycles near campus but can rely on non-student demand to fill spring and summer vacancies.
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