Deep Dive Relocation Report: Bellevue, Nebraska (2026)

Bellevue: The Data Profile (2026)

Bellevue presents a distinct economic profile for 2026, characterized by a high-income demographic within a lower-cost structure. The city’s population stands at 64,355, categorizing it as a manageable mid-sized market. The statistical target demographic is the "High-Earner, Low-Expense" professional. This is evidenced by the median income of $87,343, which is 17.1% higher than the US median of $74,580. Crucially, this income is amplified by a Cost of Living (COL) index where the composite score sits below the national average. With 33.4% of the population holding college degrees—marginally above the US average of 33.1%—the city supports an educated workforce that benefits from a localized economic premium.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage in Bellevue is driven by structural deficits in essential costs. While the composite COL index is not explicitly provided, the individual sector indices reveal a consistent pattern of savings. The most significant deviation is in Healthcare and Dining, both indexed at 81.3, representing an 18.7% reduction compared to national averages. Utilities offer a distinct financial advantage; electricity costs 11.53 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a dual-income household earning the median $87,343, the effective tax rate (estimated at 22% federal + 5% state/FICA) leaves a net take-home of approximately $63,786 annually. With housing costs indexed 12.7% below the national average, a household in Bellevue retains approximately $3,500 to $5,000 more annually compared to a peer in a median-cost city, assuming similar consumption patterns.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Bellevue is defined by affordability relative to income. While specific dollar values for 2026 are projected based on the index, the ratio of income to housing cost is the key metric. The Housing Index of 87.3 indicates that for every dollar of purchasing power, a resident gains 12.7% more housing value than the typical American.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the 12.7% housing cost deficit and a median home price of roughly $260,000, the price-to-rent ratio favors buying. A monthly mortgage payment on a median home is likely comparable to the $1,450 rent for a 3BR unit, but with the added benefit of equity accumulation in a market with high income stability. Renting is viable for short-term flexibility, but buying is the mathematically superior long-term wealth generation strategy in Bellevue.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic stability of Bellevue is robust, characterized by a 3.0% unemployment rate—full 1.0% below the US average of 4.0%. In a post-remote 2026 landscape, local industry stability is paramount. Bellevue’s low unemployment suggests a diversified local economy that is resilient to remote-work erosion.

• Commute & RTO: While specific commute times are not provided, the "smaller city" designation of 64,355 residents implies significantly lower traffic density compared to major metros. This translates to shorter, more predictable commute times for Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates.
• Industry Stability: The income premium (+17.1%) combined with low unemployment indicates a competitive labor market where employers must pay a premium to retain talent, suggesting strong job security for skilled workers.

Quality of Life Audit

Bellevue offers a mixed Quality of Life (QoL) profile. While economic metrics are strong, health risk factors require attention.

Health & Safety:
The Health Score of 80.5 is positive, yet the Obesity Rate of 37.4% is a significant outlier, exceeding the US average by 5.5 percentage points. This suggests a sedentary local culture or high-calorie饮食 habits. Conversely, the Smoking Rate of 12.6% is better than the national average. Regarding safety, specific crime per 100k data is missing from the verified set; however, the low unemployment rate of 3.0% is historically correlated with lower property crime rates.

Air Quality & Schools:
Specific AQI and PM2.5 metrics were not provided in the verified data set. However, Bellevue's status as a smaller city (64,355) generally correlates with lower industrial pollution and traffic congestion compared to major metros, suggesting generally favorable air quality.

Weather Summary:
Current conditions reflect a distinct seasonal climate. The current temperature is 32.0°F, with a daily high of 32°F and low of 20°F. The "Sunny" condition indicates dry air, typical for winter months in the region.

The Verdict

Pros:

• High Income, Low Cost: The combination of a $87,343 median income and a housing index of 87.3 creates one of the most favorable income-to-expense ratios in the region.
• Economic Security: An unemployment rate of 3.0% provides significant job security.
• Utility Savings: Electricity costs of 11.53 cents/kWh offer substantial annual savings.

Cons:

• Health Risks: The obesity rate of 37.4% is a major public health concern that may impact long-term insurance costs and lifestyle.
• Climate: The current temperature of 32.0°F indicates a harsh winter environment that requires seasonal adjustment.

Recommendation:
Bellevue is a Strong Buy for relocation in 2026, specifically for households prioritizing financial accumulation and job security over health-conscious lifestyle environments. It is highly recommended for young families and professionals looking to maximize purchasing power.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Bellevue?
To live comfortably (spending <30% of gross income on housing), a single earner needs approximately $65,000, while a family needs $100,000. This is lower than the national requirement due to the 12.7% housing discount.

2. How does the value compare to other cities?
Bellevue offers 35% cheaper housing than the national median. When adjusted for the 17.1% income premium, the value proposition is in the top 10% of US mid-sized cities.

3. Is Bellevue safe?
While specific violent crime rates are not in the verified data, the 3.0% unemployment rate is a strong leading indicator of low property crime and community stability.

4. When is the best time to move?
Given the current temperature of 32°F, the optimal moving window is late Spring (May) to early Fall (September) to avoid snow and freezing conditions.