Fremont, NE: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Fremont: The Data Profile (2026)

Fremont represents a distinct economic pocket within the broader Midwest landscape. With a population of 27,321, it operates as a small-city ecosystem rather than a major metropolitan hub. The economic baseline is defined by a median household income of $67,179, which sits 9.9% below the national median of $74,580. This income disparity is compounded by an educational attainment gap; only 21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Fremont is the "stability seeker." This profile includes blue-collar professionals, remote workers leveraging low-cost living, and families prioritizing homeownership accessibility over high-salary career velocity. The city is not a hub for high-earning tech transplants but rather for those seeking a 100.0 Cost of Living Index parity across groceries, transportation, and healthcare, effectively neutralizing inflationary pressures found in coastal cities.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the overall Cost of Living Index is 100.0, the specific utility costs offer a distinct financial advantage. Electricity costs average 11.53 cents/kWh, a substantial 27.9% reduction compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This impacts monthly overhead significantly, particularly for larger homes with high HVAC usage during Nebraska's seasonal extremes.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $67,179 takes home approximately $4,200/month after taxes. With a monthly budget of $2,275, this leaves a disposable surplus of $1,925. For a dual-income household matching the median, the surplus exceeds $4,000/month, allowing for aggressive savings or investment strategies rarely possible in high-cost-of-living (HCOL) areas.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Fremont is perfectly aligned with the national average, with a Housing Index of 100.0. However, the raw price per square foot offers better value than many metro areas. The median home price is $245,000, which is $21,000 lower than the US median.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Renting is significantly cheaper than the national curve, with 1BR units costing 32% less than the US average. However, buying is the mathematically superior long-term play. With a median home price of $245,000 and a Price/SqFt of just $155, the entry point for ownership is exceptionally low. Given the rent-to-price ratio, purchasing a home builds equity faster than renting, making the "Buy" recommendation the clear winner for anyone planning a stay longer than 24 months.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Fremont's economic stability is robust, driven by a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is a full 1.0% lower than the national average of 4.0%. In a post-remote work 2026 landscape, this low unemployment indicates a tight labor market where local industry (primarily manufacturing and agriculture) retains talent.

Commute & RTO Impact:
For those not fully remote, the average commute time is 19.5 minutes, significantly lower than the US average of 27.6 minutes. The "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates in larger metros have not impacted Fremont's local traffic patterns, which remain uncongested. This saves the average commuter approximately 45 hours of driving time annually compared to the national average.

Quality of Life Audit

While economic metrics are strong, health metrics reveal specific risks. The population faces a high obesity rate of 39.5%, which is 7.6% higher than the US average. Consequently, the overall Health Score of 78.8/100 is good, but not excellent, dragged down by lifestyle factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime rate is 2.1 per 1,000 residents (Low). Property crime is 21.5 per 1,000 residents (Moderate).
• Air Quality: Fremont boasts an excellent AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 7.8 µg/m³, well below hazardous thresholds. This is a major differentiator from industrial hubs.
• Schools: The student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1, slightly better than the national average of 16:1.
• Weather: Today's conditions are Sunny with a high of 33°F and a low of 18°F. Winters are cold, but summers are generally pleasant with moderate humidity.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Price/SqFt is $155, offering 29.5% savings vs the national average.
• Financial Stability: Unemployment is low at 3.0%, and utilities are 27.9% cheaper than the US average.
• Commute: Average commute is 19.5 minutes, saving significant time annually.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $67,179, which is 9.9% below the national average.
• Health Risks: Obesity rate is 39.5%, creating a community health risk.
• Education: College attainment is low at 21.5%, potentially limiting networking for white-collar professionals.

Recommendation:
Fremont is a "Buy" for families and remote workers seeking financial leverage. If you earn a salary that matches or exceeds the national median while living in Fremont, your purchasing power is in the top percentile of the US. However, career-focused individuals requiring local high-paying industries may find the economic ceiling restrictive.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Fremont?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 allows for comfortable living with savings. For a family, $90,000 provides significant financial breathing room due to the low cost of housing and utilities.

2. How does Fremont's value compare to Omaha?
Fremont's median home price of $245,000 is approximately 15% lower than the Omaha metro average, while maintaining a similar cost of living index of 100.0.

3. Are the crime rates concerning?
No. Violent crime is exceptionally low at 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Property crime is the primary concern, though it remains near the national average.

4. When is the best time to move?
Ideally between May and September to avoid the harsh winter weather. The current temperature of 30°F indicates that winter moves require significant logistical planning for snow and ice.