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Norfolk, NE

Frequently asked questions

Norfolk, NE

Norfolk is a city in Madison County, Nebraska, United States, 113 miles northwest of Omaha and 83 miles west of Sioux City at the intersection of U.S. Routes 81 and 275. The population was 24,210 at the 2010 census, making it the ninth-most populous city in Nebraska. It is the principal city of the Norfolk Micropolitan Statistical Area.

In late 1865 three scouts were sent from a German Lutheran settlement near Ixonia, Wisconsin, to find productive, inexpensive farmland that could be claimed under the Homestead Act. From the Omaha area, they followed the Elkhorn River upstream to West Point. Finding that area too crowded, they continued up the river. On September 15, they reached the junction of the Elkhorn and its North Fork and chose that area as a settlement site. On May 23, 1866, a party of 124 settlers representing 42 families from the Ixonia area set out for northeast Nebraska in three wagon trains. They arrived at the new site on July 15.  A second group of settlers from Wisconsin arrived in July 1867.  These collective wagon parties established the first church in Madison County, St. Paul's Lutheran, which is still operating today.

The original name of the colony was a variant of "North Fork", but accounts differ on the exact name: "Northfork",  "Nor'fork", and "Nordfork" are all suggested. The name was submitted to federal postal authorities, and at some point was transmuted to "Norfolk". Nebraskans typically pronounce it as "Norfork".

The North Fork settlement was named the county seat in 1867.  In 1875 a series of elections changed this. In the first of these Norfolk, which at the time had 45 voters, was eliminated. In a subsequent election, Madison was chosen over Battle Creek.

Norfolk is in northeastern Nebraska, in the northeast corner of Madison County. U.S. Route 81 passes through the city west of downtown, following 13th Street; it leads south 45 miles (72 km) to Columbus, Nebraska, and north 58 miles (93 km) to Yankton, South Dakota. U.S. Route 275 passes through the southern part of Norfolk on Omaha Avenue and leads southeast 42 miles (68 km) to West Point and northwest 75 miles (121 km) to O'Neill. Nebraska Highway 35 leads northeast from Norfolk 31 miles (50 km) to Wayne.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Norfolk has a total area of 18.5 square miles (47.91 km²), of which 18.1 square miles (46.9 km²) are land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²), or 2.12%, water. The Elkhorn River passes through the southern part of the city, flowing southeast to join the Platte River west of Omaha.

The Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad was built after the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in South Dakota. It ran from the Omaha area up the Elkhorn valley, then across northern Nebraska and into South Dakota. Its arrival at Norfolk in 1879 connected the city through Wisner to Blair on the Missouri.  The Omaha, Niobrara, and Black Hills branch of the Union Pacific ran north from the railroad's main line at Duncan to Norfolk; it reached the city in 1880.  The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad was completed to Norfolk in 1882.

Health and wellness are paramount in Norfolk, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Faith Regional Health Services stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Norfolk Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include The Max Fitness Center, YMCA and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Norfolk, such as the Norfolk-Skyview Trail and Cowboy Trail: Norfolk to Valentine. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Norfolk, NE include Elkhorn Valley Museum, Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, and AquaVenture Water Park.

Population: 26,162 (2024). ZIP codes: 68701-68702. Area code: 402. Elevation: 1,482 feet (452 m). Area: 10.57 square miles (27.37 km²).

FAQs

What is Norfolk, NE known for?

Norfolk is the economic center for an area encompassing six counties. Basic economic activities of Norfolk are manufacturing, farming (both livestock and grain), education, retailing, and wholesaling. Manufacturing employs over 4,059 persons. Norfolk is the major retail trade center for Northeast Nebraska.

Is Norfolk, NE a good place to live?

Norfolk, Nebraska, was recently recognized by Joy Organics in a survey titled '150 Best Places in America to Escape the Rat Race.' The ranking showcases the 150 most sought-after towns and cities in America “for those wanting to distance themselves from the relentless pace of the rat race.” Out of four Nebraska communities included in the rankings, Norfolk topped the list, coming in at 73. According to Joy Organics, 'Known for its musical heritage and charming downtown, Norfolk provides a tranquil and culturally engaging experience, ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with a touch of history and arts.'

What is the cost of living in Norfolk, NE?

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Norfolk is $34,268 a year — about the same as the annual cost of living for Nebraska of $34,702 and less than the national figure of $38,433. In Norfolk, the median home value is $135,400, less than the national median home value of $204,900. The typical renter in Norfolk spends $674 a month on housing, greater than the $1,023 national median monthly rent.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Norfolk

Faith Regional Health Services 

Norfolk Parks and Recreation Department

The Max Fitness Center

YMCA 

Anytime Fitness

Norfolk-Skyview Trail 

Cowboy Trail: Norfolk to Valentine

Elkhorn Valley Museum

Ta-Ha-Zouka Park

AquaVenture Water Park.

24/7 Wall St.

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