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Lexington, NE

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Lexington, NE

Lexington is a city in Dawson County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 10,348 at the 2020 census, making it the 16th most populous city in Nebraska. It is the county seat of Dawson County. Lexington is located in southern Nebraska, on the Platte River, southeast of North Platte. It sits along the route of U.S. Route 30 and the Union Pacific Railroad. In the 1860s, Lexington was the location of a stop along the Pony Express.

Lexington began as a frontier trading post in 1860. The post was later destroyed. Fort Plum Creek was established near its ruins in 1864. Lexington was founded in 1871. It was originally called Plum Creek.

About 3.5 miles west of Lexington on U.S. Route 30, a marker identifies the place (40.790695120°N 99.808119581°W) where a band of Cheyenne derailed a Union Pacific train on August 7, 1867, during construction of the first transcontinental railroad. Boxcars were looted and burned, and three employees were killed: the engineer, the fireman, and a hand-car operator.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.51 square miles (11.68 km²), of which 4.50 square miles (11.65 km²) is land, and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) is water.

Lexington is the principal city of the Lexington, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Dawson and Gosper counties.

The 2020 United States census counted 10,348 people, 3,531 households, and 2,609 families in Lexington. The population density was 2,041.0 per square mile (788.7/km²). There were 3,731 housing units at an average density of 735.9 per square mile (284.4/km²). The racial makeup was 33.38% (3,454) white, 10.43% (1,079) black or African-American, 2.11% (218) Native American, 1.13% (117) Asian, 0.17% (18) Pacific Islander, 36.76% (3,804) from other races, and 16.02% (1,658) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 60.0% (6,121) of the population.

Of the 3,531 households, 43.3% had children under the age of 18; 49.8% were married couples living together; 19.5% had a female householder with no husband present. 18.1% of households consisted of individuals and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.8 and the average family size was 3.3.

29.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 114.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 121.9 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $55,913 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,946) and the median family income $59,720 (+/- $6,835). Males had a median income of $35,099 (+/- $4,225) versus $26,953 (+/- $1,837) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,601 (+/- $3,983). Approximately, 10.8% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.0% of those under the age of 18 and 7.9% of those ages 65 or over.

Health and wellness are paramount in Lexington, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Lexington Regional Health Center stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness, Community Health and Fitness Center and YMCA . Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lexington, such as the Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail and Kearney Hike and Bike Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lexington, NE are Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, and Dawson County Historical Society and Museum.

Population: 10,816 (2023). Area: 5.10 sq mi (13.20 km²). Elevation: 2,284 feet (696 meters). ZIP Code: 68850. Area code: 308.

FAQs

Is Lexington, NE a good place to live?

Lexington is in Dawson County. Living in Lexington offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Lexington and residents tend to have moderate political views.

Is Lexington, NE expensive?

Lexington is 20% less expensive than the national average and 8% less expensive to live in than the average city in Nebraska. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Food costs in Lexington are more affordable than average in the United States. Transportations costs in Lexington are more affordable than average in the United States. 

What is the history of Lexington, NE?

Lexington began as a frontier trading post in 1860. The post was later destroyed. Fort Plum Creek was established near its ruins in 1864. Lexington was founded in 1871. It was originally called Plum Creek.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lexington

Lexington Regional Health Center 

Anytime Fitness

Community Health and Fitness Center 

YMCA 

Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail 

Kearney Hike and Bike Trail

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles

Great Platte River Road Archway Monument

Dawson County Historical Society and Museum

Niche

Erieri

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