Real Estate Investing in Lincoln, Nebraska (68516)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 68516 (Lincoln, NE)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Lincoln, NE (68516)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Lincoln, NE (68516). Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Lincoln, NE (68516) Updated 63 days ago
Opportunities
- Over 135 new construction homes are for sale in the 68516 zip code, indicating robust housing development. — This expands housing choices and accommodates population growth in the area. Realtor.com & Zillow
- The City of Lincoln is undertaking 16 street projects, 11 water main replacements, and 7 large sidewalk improvement projects in 2026. — These infrastructure upgrades improve transportation, utility reliability, and pedestrian access. City of Lincoln & KLIN
- A new Google-funded $10 million water line project is underway to support a data center near North 56th Street and I-80, expected completion January 2027. — This investment supports technological infrastructure and potentially brings economic benefits. Vozpopuli
- Several new businesses have opened in Downtown Lincoln, including Sweet Things by Marcy, RAYGUN, Misfits on O, and various vintage shops and coffee spots. — These additions expand local retail, dining, and entertainment options for residents. Downtown Lincoln
- The Greater Nebraska PACE District helps commercial and multi-family property owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. — This program encourages sustainable development and reduces long-term operational costs for businesses. Lincoln.ne.gov
Concerns
- Neenah Foundry Company closed its Lincoln manufacturing plant on December 31, 2025, resulting in 103 job losses. — This reduces local manufacturing employment and impacts affected workers. KOLN & Nebraska Public Media
- ITC Federal, an immigration contractor, laid off 192 employees in Lincoln by November 30, 2025, following earlier job cuts. — This significantly reduces employment opportunities in the federal contracting sector. Nebraska Public Media
- Lincoln Electric System plans a mid-year average 4% rate increase to help pay for new gas-powered turbines at Terry Bundy Generating Station. — This imposes increased utility costs on residents and businesses. Nebraska Public Media
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lincoln:
Property Strategy for 68516
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $463,751 | $1,070 | 1.7% | +5.4% | $463,751 |
| 2BR | $318,690 | $1,320 | 3.0% | +6.1% | $159,345 |
| 3BR | $338,957 | $1,840 | 3.9% | +6.3% | $112,986 |
| 4BR | $439,757 | $1,980 | 3.2% | +5.8% | $109,939 |
| 5BR | $515,766 | — | — | +5.1% | $103,153 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 68516 Compare?
| Metric | 68516 | Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $393,483 | $275,140 | N/A | $269,423 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.6% | 5.0% | N/A | 6.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,517 | $1,312 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 3.2% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 68516 (Lincoln, NE). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 68516 (Lincoln, NE)?
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Property managers serving Lancaster County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Kabredlo's Property offers apartment homes for rent in Nebraska and Iowa. summary from their website
Four Corners Property Management, LLC welcomes you home. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $393,483 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,517 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +7.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.0%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 68516
Population: 47,389
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 68516
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 2,763 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are rental rates like in Lincoln, NE?
Average rent in Lincoln, NE is approximately $1,517/mo per month. Against $393K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
What price range are homes in Lincoln, NE?
The median home value in Lincoln, NE is roughly $393K. That puts it reasonable relative to the NE statewide average.
Are there empty rentals in Lincoln, NE?
Vacancy in Lincoln, NE is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,517/mo.
How landlord-friendly is Lincoln, NE?
The landlord environment in Lincoln, NE is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
How should investors approach Lincoln, NE?
In Lincoln, NE the robust play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $393K prices and $1,517/mo rents suits that approach.
You know 68516 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 68516 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 68516 ranks in Lincoln, NE
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