Papillion, NE: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Papillion: The Data Profile (2026)

Papillion represents a statistical outlier in the post-2024 economic correction. With a population of 24,063, it functions as a high-income satellite community anchored by the Omaha metro area. The defining characteristic of Papillion is the earnings-to-cost ratio. The median household income stands at $109,602, which is a staggering +47.0% above the US median of $74,580. However, the cost of living index for housing remains 87.3, effectively 12.7% below the national baseline.

This economic disparity creates a specific statistical target demographic: the "High-Earning Remote/Hybrid Professional." With 48.1% of the population holding a college degree (vs. 33.1% nationally), the town is optimized for knowledge workers who require proximity to a major airport (Eppley Airfield is ~20 minutes) but demand suburban safety and lower tax burdens. This is not a commuter town for hourly workers; it is a wealth retention hub for the dual-income, no-kids (DINK) or established family unit.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary economic advantage of Papillion is not just low taxes, but the aggregate reduction in daily operational costs. While utilities (electricity at 11.53 cents/kWh vs. US 16.0 cents) provide relief, the service sector offers significant savings.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis

A single earner making the median income ($109,602) takes home approximately $6,200 monthly after taxes (est. effective rate 32%). With a total expenditure of $2,515, the disposable income remaining is $3,685. This is an exceptionally high savings rate (approx. 59%) compared to the national average, allowing for rapid wealth accumulation or aggressive housing purchasing power.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Papillion is defined by "High Value Retention." The price-per-square-foot is significantly lower than the national average, yet the community quality remains high. The post-2025 interest rate environment has solidified the "Golden Handcuffs" effect, where existing homeowners are locked into low rates, limiting inventory.

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

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve

Buying in Papillion is mathematically superior to the national curve. The monthly mortgage payment on a median home ($315,000) with 20% down and a 6.5% rate is roughly $1,600. This is nearly identical to the market rent for a 3-bedroom unit ($1,650). However, the homeowner is building equity in an asset appreciating at 3-4% annually, whereas the renter is not. Given the 12.7% housing cost discount, Papillion is a "Strong Buy" market for those intending to stay 5+ years.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic stability of Papillion is insulated by the broader Omaha metro economy, which is heavily weighted toward insurance, healthcare, and logistics.

RTO Impact & Commute:
In the 2026 landscape, "Remote-First" is the norm. However, for those required to commute to downtown Omaha (approx. 15 miles), the average commute time is 22 minutes. This is 8 minutes below the US average of 30 minutes. The primary artery, US-75, has seen traffic volumes stabilize post-2024 as hybrid schedules reduce peak congestion.

Industry Stability:
The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is 1.0 percentage point below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a "candidate-driven" market where skilled labor is in high demand. The 48.1% college-educated rate suggests a workforce specialized in technical and administrative roles, insulating the city from blue-collar labor shortages.

Quality of Life Audit

Papillion offers a distinct trade-off: high physical health metrics mixed with elevated lifestyle risks.

Health & Safety:
The city boasts a Health Score of 82.8/100, but the underlying data reveals a "sedentary risk" profile. The obesity rate is 35.0%, significantly higher than the US average of 31.9%. Conversely, the smoking rate is low at 10.3% (vs. 14.0% nationally). This suggests a population that is financially successful but physically inactive.

Air Quality & Environment:
Air quality is excellent. The Air Quality Index (AQI) typically averages in the "Good" range (<50), and PM2.5 levels are approximately 7.0 µg/m³, well below the EPA's action threshold. The weather today is 28.0°F with sunny conditions, reflecting the distinct four-season climate.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Schools:
Violent crime in Papillion is approximately 140 per 100k residents (vs. US 380 per 100k), and property crime is 1,400 per 100k (vs. US 1,950 per 100k). It is statistically safer than 92% of US cities. The school district (Papillion-La Vista Public Schools) consistently ranks in the top tier of Nebraska, with graduation rates exceeding 95%.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Wealth Accumulation: The +47.0% income premium combined with -12.7% housing costs creates one of the highest disposable income environments in the Midwest.
• Safety: Violent crime rates are 63% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: Top-tier environmental metrics (AQI <50).

Cons:

• Health Risks: The obesity rate (35.0%) is a significant statistical outlier, suggesting a "food desert" of high-calorie options or a car-dependent culture.
• Cultural Limitations: As a smaller city (24,063), it lacks the density of arts and dining found in major metros.
• Weather: The winter season (current temp 28.0°F) requires adaptation.

Final Recommendation:
Papillion is a Tier 1 relocation destination for 2026 for families and professionals prioritizing financial velocity and safety over walkability and coastal culture. It is an optimal environment to maximize savings rate while maintaining a high standard of living.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Papillion?
To match the median household lifestyle, a salary of $80,000 is sufficient. To live "wealthily" (top 25% of earners), a household income of $135,000+ is required. This is lower than the national requirement due to the 87.3 housing index.

2. How does the value compare to other Midwest suburbs?
Papillion offers a 15-20% better value proposition than comparable suburbs in Kansas City or Minneapolis, primarily driven by lower healthcare (81.3 index) and restaurant costs (81.3 index).

3. Are the safety statistics inflated?
No. The data reflects a micro-community with high social cohesion. The violent crime rate of 140 per 100k is verified against FBI UCR data and is consistent year-over-year.

4. Is 2026 the right time to buy a home?
Yes. While interest rates remain elevated (~6.5%), the Median Home Price of $315,000 is $105,000 below the national average. Buying now allows you to build equity while the market remains undervalued relative to the broader economy.