Omaha
cityOmaha, Nebraska, situated on the Missouri River in the Midwestern United States, is the state's most populous city and a major commercial hub. With a population of approximately 487,506 in 2026, Omaha serves as the county seat of Douglas County and anchors a metropolitan area of nearly one million residents. Known historically as the "Gateway to the West", Omaha blends its rich pioneer heritage with modern urban development. Omaha's economy is diverse, featuring key sectors such as finance, insurance, food processing, transportation, healthcare, and technology. Several Fortune 500 companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha, are headquartered in the city. This strong corporate presence contributes to Omaha's reputation as a major telecommunications and financial center. Omaha offers a high quality of life with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, including the historic Old Market district and the renowned Henry Doorly Zoo. The city's commitment to parks and recreation, coupled with its central location and diverse economy, makes it a distinctive and attractive place to live and work.
Omaha, Nebraska
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Douglas
- Region
- Midwestern United States
- Elevation
- 1,060 ft
- Total Area
- 130.58 sq mi
- Land Area
- 127.09 sq mi
- Water Area
- 3.49 sq mi
- Latitude
- 41.25861
- Longitude
- -95.9375
- Climate
- Hot-summer humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, dry winters
- Notable Features
- Missouri River · Lake Manawa · Papillion Creek · Carter Lake · Platte River · Glenn Cunningham Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Council Bluffs, Iowa · Carter Lake, Iowa
- Population (2020)
- 486,051
- Est. Population (2026)
- 487,506
- Median Age
- 35.3
- Median Income
- $73,201
- Poverty Rate
- 13.5%
- Family Households
- 57.2%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 63.4% White, 16.2% Hispanic, 11.4% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, 4.4% Multiracial, and 0.6% Native American/Other
- Government Type
- Strong Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Omaha Public Schools and other districts
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Economic Profile
- Commercial hub · Major transportation and service center · Telecommunications capital
- Employment Sectors
- Finance · Insurance · Food Processing · Transportation · Healthcare · Education · Technology
- Major Employers
- Offutt Air Force Base · Nebraska Medicine · CHI Health · Omaha Public Schools (OPS) · University of Nebraska Medical Center · Methodist Health System · Union Pacific Railroad · City of Omaha · First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) · Mutual of Omaha
- School Districts
- Omaha Public Schools · Millard Public Schools · Elkhorn Public Schools · Westside Community Schools · Ralston Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) · Creighton University · University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) · Metropolitan Community College (MCC) · College of Saint Mary · Clarkson College · Nebraska Methodist College
- Transportation
- Interstates (I-80, I-480, I-680) · Rail service · Bus transit · Bike trails
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospitals · Eppley Airfield (OMA) · CHI Health Center Omaha (convention center/arena)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Gene Leahy Mall · Heartland of America Park · Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium · Lake Zorinsky · Standing Bear Lake · Chalco Hills Recreation Area · Fontenelle Forest
- Parks & Trails
- City parks · Extensive trail systems
- Founded
- 1854
- Incorporated
- 1857
- Named After
- Omaha Native American tribe, meaning 'upstream people'
- Historical Significance
- Omaha played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States, serving as a gateway for settlers and a major transportation and economic center
- Key Events
- Founded in 1854 by speculators from Council Bluffs, Iowa · Served as the Nebraska Territorial capital from 1854 to 1867 · Became a major transportation hub with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in the 19th century · Hosted the Trans-Mississippi Exposition (World's Fair) in 1898 · Developed into a major meatpacking center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries