There is no place like Nebraska — and maybe that’s why most residents are “homegrown.”
Nebraskans who were born in the state make up about two-thirds of the state’s residents, and those born in Nebraska and still living here are more likely to live in rural areas and have more satisfaction with living in the state.
That’s according to the latest Nebraska Snapshot, which examines the differences among Nebraskans who were born here versus born somewhere else. The Nebraska Snapshot is produced from data collected during the 2024 Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey, a survey of 2,232 Nebraskans fielded by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Bureau of Sociological Research.
Statewide, 64% of Nebraskans surveyed reported being born here, with 36% saying they were born outside Nebraska. Nebraska’s share of homegrown residents is similar to neighboring states Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota, whose homegrown shares are between 60% and 70% of residents, while the national average is 58%.
Of respondents living on a farm or in open country, 73% were born in the state. In the Midland area, which includes Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties, native Nebraskans and those who were born elsewhere are more evenly split, with 56% of residents being born here and 44% reporting being born outside Nebraska.
“It’s not surprising that the majority of people who responded to this survey were born in Nebraska, but it was interesting to see that more people who were born in Nebraska and currently live here are living on a farm or in open country, rather than our more urban areas,” said Amanda Ganshert, co-author of the report and assistant director for research and methods for the research bureau.
Nebraskans who were born here also seem more satisfied with life in the state. Of those who said they were very or somewhat satisfied living in Nebraska, 68% are Nebraska-born. The shares are nearly identical to which Nebraskans say the state is headed in the right direction, as 67% percent of those who believe it’s headed in the right direction were born here.
“More people who were born in and currently live in Nebraska are satisfied living in Nebraska than those who were born outside Nebraska, which may indicate a possible sense of loyalty to their home state,” Ganshert said.
Native Nebraskans are also more likely to be Republican. According to the survey results, the share of state Republicans born in Nebraska is 76%, while 24% were born outside Nebraska. Independents are more evenly split, with 51% being Nebraska-born and 49% born elsewhere.
The full September 2025 Nebraska Snapshot, as well as previous snapshot reports, are available on the Bureau of Sociological Research website. The bureau has been conducting survey research since 1964, and conducts surveys via mail, web, telephone, in-person and mixed modes.
