Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in Nebraska is about 78.1 years, close to the national average.
Age-adjusted death rate, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017), all causes, age-adjusted.
Total deaths, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017).
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy (years) | 78.1 | 77.5 |
- •Life expectancy varies notably between Nebraska's urban east and its more rural western counties.
Healthcare Access
About 91% of Nebraskans have health insurance coverage, with rural areas facing greater shortages of primary care providers.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Insured Population (%) | 91 | 92 |
- •Nearly all of Nebraska's 93 counties include federally designated health professional shortage areas.
Hospitals
Nebraska has about 106 hospitals, most of them small rural facilities, with Nebraska Medicine the main academic centre.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU31000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU31000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
About 9.0% of Nebraskans lack health insurance, slightly above the national uninsured rate.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Rate (%) | 9 | 8 |
- •Nebraska expanded Medicaid in 2020 following a 2018 ballot initiative approved by voters.
Obesity
Nebraska's adult obesity rate is about 36.5%, above the national average.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Obesity Rate (%) | 36.5 | 32 |
- •Nebraska's obesity rate has climbed steadily over the past two decades, mirroring broader Midwest trends.
Public Health Indicators
Nebraska generally posts moderate public health outcomes, with life expectancy near the national average but rising rates of obesity and diabetes.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy (years) | 78.1 | 77.5 |
- •Nebraska Medicine in Omaha played a key national role during the 2014 Ebola treatment response.