Nebraska’s
Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles

2020

More than just farm and ranch land, Nebraska is an outdoor lover’s top destination and a great state to energize a fitness routine. Nebraska has distinct landscapes of rolling hills and treeless prairies that make sports effortless. Abundant national parks, historic trails, and rivers add variety to the rolling plains and invite active individuals to use stunning natural environments for their healthy lifestyles. Hiking, biking, swimming, and tanking (the state’s unique activity) are a few ways residents and tourists find a pension for health and wellness. 

Interesting things to know about Nebraska: 

  • The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest indoor rainforest in the United States.
  • Hikers can walk a half mile on the original Oregon Trail at Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska. 
  • Nebraska has more underground water reserves than any other state in the country.
21 %

The percentage of adults who report excessive drinking. Heavy drinking is linked to higher blood pressure, poorer liver function, increased stroke risk and larger waistlines.

22 %

The percentage of adults who report lack of physical activity.

31 %

The percentage of adults who report a BMI — or body mass index — above 30%. Higher BMI may be an indicator of greater risk to physical health.

Nebraska

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1
Lexington, Nebraska
Lexington
Fit Score: 77.85

Lexington, NE

Population 10,121
Exercise Opportunities 840
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 120
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.52
Smoking 170
Frequent Physical Distress 11
Poor Physical Health Days 3.3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 170
Frequent Mental Distress 10

2
South Sioux City, Nebraska
South Sioux.
Fit Score: 77.66

South Sioux City, NE

Population 12,838
Exercise Opportunities 880
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 380
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.12
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 11
Poor Physical Health Days 3.4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 170
Frequent Mental Distress 10

3
Grand Island, Nebraska
Grand Islan.
Fit Score: 77.2

Grand Island, NE

Population 51,478
Exercise Opportunities 890
Physical Inactivity 260
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.77
Smoking 160
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 180
Frequent Mental Distress 10

4
North Platte, Nebraska
North Platt.
Fit Score: 76.06

North Platte, NE

Population 23,814
Exercise Opportunities 860
Physical Inactivity 260
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.28
Smoking 180
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.2
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 180
Frequent Mental Distress 10

5
Gering, Nebraska
Gering
Fit Score: 75.85

Gering, NE

Population 8,225
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 20
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 1.75
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 11
Poor Physical Health Days 3.7
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 180
Frequent Mental Distress 11

6
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Scottsbluff
Fit Score: 75.3

Scottsbluff, NE

Population 14,733
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 20
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 1.75
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 11
Poor Physical Health Days 3.7
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 180
Frequent Mental Distress 11

7
York, Nebraska
York
Fit Score: 75.29

York, NE

Population 7,866
Exercise Opportunities 580
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.91
Smoking 160
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 3.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 180
Frequent Mental Distress 9

8
Norfolk, Nebraska
Norfolk
Fit Score: 74.04

Norfolk, NE

Population 24,651
Exercise Opportunities 860
Physical Inactivity 230
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 320
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.91
Smoking 170
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 200
Frequent Mental Distress 10

9
Holdrege, Nebraska
Holdrege
Fit Score: 73.69

Holdrege, NE

Population 5,405
Exercise Opportunities 710
Physical Inactivity 220
Access to Healthy Food 40
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.63
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 2.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 200
Frequent Mental Distress 9

10
Hastings, Nebraska
Hastings
Fit Score: 73.57

Hastings, NE

Population 24,822
Exercise Opportunities 820
Physical Inactivity 250
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.8
Smoking 170
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.2
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 190
Frequent Mental Distress 10

11
Fremont, Nebraska
Fremont
Fit Score: 73.56

Fremont, NE

Population 26,509
Exercise Opportunities 900
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.15
Smoking 180
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 200
Frequent Mental Distress 10

12
Seward, Nebraska
Seward
Fit Score: 73.49

Seward, NE

Population 7,220
Exercise Opportunities 600
Physical Inactivity 230
Access to Healthy Food 20
Obesity 300
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.01
Smoking 140
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 2.9
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 200
Frequent Mental Distress 9

13
Schuyler, Nebraska
Schuyler
Fit Score: 73.35

Schuyler, NE

Population 6,377
Exercise Opportunities 780
Physical Inactivity 280
Access to Healthy Food 60
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.01
Smoking 140
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 200
Frequent Mental Distress 10

14
Gretna, Nebraska
Gretna
Fit Score: 72.62

Gretna, NE

Population 5,076
Exercise Opportunities 920
Physical Inactivity 190
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 8
Poor Physical Health Days 2.7
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

15
Papillion, Nebraska
Papillion
Fit Score: 72.6

Papillion, NE

Population 20,530
Exercise Opportunities 920
Physical Inactivity 190
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 8
Poor Physical Health Days 2.7
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

16
Chalco, Nebraska
Chalco
Fit Score: 72.51

Chalco, NE

Population 11,209
Exercise Opportunities 920
Physical Inactivity 190
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 8
Poor Physical Health Days 2.7
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

17
Columbus, Nebraska
Columbus
Fit Score: 72.21

Columbus, NE

Population 23,274
Exercise Opportunities 840
Physical Inactivity 220
Access to Healthy Food 60
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.01
Smoking 140
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 3
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 210
Frequent Mental Distress 9

18
La Vista, Nebraska
La Vista
Fit Score: 72.11

La Vista, NE

Population 17,163
Exercise Opportunities 920
Physical Inactivity 190
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 8
Poor Physical Health Days 2.7
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

19
Bellevue, Nebraska
Bellevue
Fit Score: 72.07

Bellevue, NE

Population 53,627
Exercise Opportunities 920
Physical Inactivity 190
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 8
Poor Physical Health Days 2.7
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

20
Ralston, Nebraska
Ralston
Fit Score: 71.92

Ralston, NE

Population 7,296
Exercise Opportunities 980
Physical Inactivity 200
Access to Healthy Food 30
Obesity 290
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 170
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.3
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 10

21
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha
Fit Score: 71.85

Omaha, NE

Population 468,262
Exercise Opportunities 980
Physical Inactivity 200
Access to Healthy Food 30
Obesity 290
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 170
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.3
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 10

22
Offutt AFB, Nebraska
Offutt AFB
Fit Score: 71.66

Offutt AFB, NE

Population 5,142
Exercise Opportunities 920
Physical Inactivity 190
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 8
Poor Physical Health Days 2.7
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

23
McCook, Nebraska
McCook
Fit Score: 71.53

McCook, NE

Population 7,551
Exercise Opportunities 740
Physical Inactivity 260
Access to Healthy Food 150
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.35
Smoking 160
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 200
Frequent Mental Distress 10

24
Crete, Nebraska
Crete
Fit Score: 71.37

Crete, NE

Population 7,082
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 60
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.01
Smoking 160
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.2
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 200
Frequent Mental Distress 10

25
Sidney, Nebraska
Sidney
Fit Score: 69.91

Sidney, NE

Population 6,376
Exercise Opportunities 630
Physical Inactivity 250
Access to Healthy Food 60
Obesity 310
Air pollution (PM2.5) 1.86
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

26
Nebraska City, Nebraska
Nebraska Ci.
Fit Score: 69.81

Nebraska City, NE

Population 7,275
Exercise Opportunities 740
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 30
Obesity 380
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.22
Smoking 180
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 3
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 210
Frequent Mental Distress 10

27
Alliance, Nebraska
Alliance
Fit Score: 69.8

Alliance, NE

Population 8,070
Exercise Opportunities 440
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 130
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 1.65
Smoking 180
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 3.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 200
Frequent Mental Distress 10

28
Chadron, Nebraska
Chadron
Fit Score: 69.72

Chadron, NE

Population 5,488
Exercise Opportunities 900
Physical Inactivity 210
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 300
Air pollution (PM2.5) 1.44
Smoking 170
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 230
Frequent Mental Distress 10

29
Kearney, Nebraska
Kearney
Fit Score: 69.48

Kearney, NE

Population 33,761
Exercise Opportunities 890
Physical Inactivity 190
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 290
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.73
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 2.9
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 230
Frequent Mental Distress 10

30
Blair, Nebraska
Blair
Fit Score: 69.1

Blair, NE

Population 7,815
Exercise Opportunities 490
Physical Inactivity 200
Access to Healthy Food 0
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.08
Smoking 130
Frequent Physical Distress 8
Poor Physical Health Days 2.7
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

31
Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne
Fit Score: 68.56

Wayne, NE

Population 5,622
Exercise Opportunities 520
Physical Inactivity 220
Access to Healthy Food 20
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 2.94
Smoking 130
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 10

32
Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln
Fit Score: 67.9

Lincoln, NE

Population 287,401
Exercise Opportunities 970
Physical Inactivity 170
Access to Healthy Food 30
Obesity 280
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.19
Smoking 140
Frequent Physical Distress 8
Poor Physical Health Days 2.8
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 250
Frequent Mental Distress 10

33
Plattsmouth, Nebraska
Plattsmouth
Fit Score: 67.72

Plattsmouth, NE

Population 6,480
Exercise Opportunities 660
Physical Inactivity 260
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 380
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.26
Smoking 180
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 2.8
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 220
Frequent Mental Distress 9

34
Beatrice, Nebraska
Beatrice
Fit Score: 66.7

Beatrice, NE

Population 12,274
Exercise Opportunities 680
Physical Inactivity 280
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.12
Smoking 170
Frequent Physical Distress 9
Poor Physical Health Days 2.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 230
Frequent Mental Distress 10

How Did We Determine the Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles?

We compiled our list of Best Cities for for Fit Lifestyle by looking at 11 key metrics backed by scientific research. Keep reading to find out which metrics we chose and how they affect slumber.

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