Born on the banks of the Platte River in southeast Nebraska, Lexington is more than 150 miles from Lincoln, the nearest major city. The city formerly known as Plum Creek experienced a harsh economic downturn in the 1980s when several local businesses closed their doors. But Lexington’s fortunes improved when Iowa Beef Processors (now owned by Tyson Fresh Meats) opened their new meatpacking plant in 1990. The facility drew waves of Latino workers who settled and raised families in the area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly two-thirds of the current population —around 10,000 and growing — identifies as Hispanic or Latino. “For its size, Lexington is known for its diversity,” says Stephanie Novoa, a lifelong Lexington resident and Realtor with Go Home Realty.
Tyson Foods meatpacking plant is the engine of the Lexington economy.
Born on the banks of the Platte River in southeast Nebraska, Lexington is more than 150 miles from Lincoln, the nearest major city.
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Home prices are well below the Nebraska median
The median price for a home in Lexington is $242,000, well below the state median and about $50,000 below the median price for Lincoln. New developments are cropping up on the outskirts of town, with budget-friendly homes in the southeast section and higher-end builds in the northwest. Prices start at $200,000 to $300,000 for modest-sized homes with three to four bedrooms. Larger homes with more acreage can sell for $375,000 to $500,000. Since Lexington has a high tornado risk, homebuyers should look for properties that include basements or storm shelters.
The median price for a home in Lexington is $242,000, well below the state median and about $50,000 below the median price for Lincoln.
Natural beauty flows year-round near the Platte River near Lexington.
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Dual-language program at Bryan Elementary School
Students attend schools in the Lexington Public Schools District, which receives a Niche grade of B-minus. Bryan Elementary School offers a dual-language program to help students gain equal proficiency in English and Spanish.
Bryan Elementary School offers a dual-language program to help students gain equal proficiency in English and Spanish.
Students attend schools in the Lexington Public Schools District, which receives a Niche grade of B-minus.
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Antique shops, eclectic restaurants and vineyards
With over 30 acres of vineyards, Mac’s Creek Winery and Brewery is one of the largest wineries in the state. The creekside retreat is the ideal place to unwind after exploring the city’s collection of antique and thrift shops. Downtown, brick-paved streets lead past clothing and jewelry stores, international food markets and eclectic restaurants. Fast-food chains and department stores can be found along Plum Creek Parkway near the Interstate 80 turnoff.
Find rare and vintage gems at Bargain John's Antiques in Lexington.
With over 30 acres of vineyards, Mac’s Creek Winery and Brewery is one of the largest wineries in the state just north of Lexington.
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Traveling in and around Lexington
“Most of Nebraska outside of Lincoln or Omaha is very rural, but we’re right off the interstate exchange,” Novoa says. “If people commute, it’s going to be to North Platte or Kearney, which has the closest university.” Travelers connect to I-80 just outside town for the 40-mile drive to Kearney, where daily nonstop flights to Denver are available from Kearney Regional Airport. North Platte is about 60 miles west and home to another small regional airfield. RYDE Transit — Dawson County provides residents with on-demand public transportation, and intercity buses on the Burlington Trailways and Express Arrow lines stop on Plum Creek Parkway near the interstate.
The Tyson Foods meatpacking plant employs over 2700 workers from Lexington and smaller surrounding towns. The school district is another top employer, along with Lexington Regional Healthcare Center.
Historic artifacts and hiking trails
Tanks and helicopters are the star attractions at the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, but the non-profit is dedicated to preserving various types of military equipment. The Dawson County Historical Society and Museum offers glimpses into the past with a rural schoolhouse, antique cars and biplanes and multi-media artwork crafted by locals.
A network of hiking and biking trails weaves through the city’s park system. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities invite organized games, and the skate park and aquatic center are sweet summertime hangouts. Fishing, boating and swimming are popular at nearby Johnson Lake, where hikers and cyclists tackle the 10-mile loop trail encircling the water.
Lexington's Dawson County Historical Society and Museum offers glimpses into the past with a rural schoolhouse, antique cars and biplanes and multi-media artwork crafted by locals.
Lexington hikers and cyclists tackle the 10-mile loop trail encircling the water at Johnson Lake.
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Lexington is home to a sizable Christian population
Most Lexington residents identify as either Protestant or Catholic. With brick construction and vaulted ceilings, First Presbyterian Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and St. Ann’s Catholic Church are impressive downtown landmarks.
Most Lexington residents identify as either Protestant or Catholic.
Lexington's Main Street is alive with local flavor and character.
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Crime risk and stormwater pollution
Property crime rates mostly align with Lincoln figures, and numbers held steady from 2022 to 2023. Instances of violent crime are much lower and declined further during the same period.
In 2024, an investigation revealed that Tyson Foods had released toxic pollutants from its slaughterhouses and processing plants into Nebraska waterways, and Lexington was one of the cities affected. Further, according to the city website, officials are working with the Environmental Protection Agency to implement stormwater pollution control measures.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephanie Novoa,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Lexington, NE sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lexington, NE over the last 12 months is $240,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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