In contrast to the nation as a whole, goods-producing industries have accounted for much of the recent economic growth in Nebraska. Persistent demand growth for food, alongside construction, have been significant drivers of growth, both recently and longer-term. Moreover, a concentration in manufacturing has generally been a source of strength for Nebraska's economy, particularly in rural areas.
See the following for the latest update on the manufacturing sector in Nebraska. Or download the charts here.
Economic growth has remained steady, but slightly stronger on average in Nebraska than the nation.
Sources: BEA, Haver Analytics
Despite weaker conditions in agriculture recently, economic activity in Nebraska has been supported by goods-producing industries.
Source: BEA.
Economic output in manufacturing and construction has continued to increase at a steady pace.
Source: BEA
Employment in Nebraska’s goods-producing industries has also outperformed the nation, both recently and historically.
Sources: BLS, Haver Analytics.
Employment growth has been most pronounced in the categories of construction and “nondurable” goods.
Sources: BLS, BEA, Haver Analytics.
Demand for housing and commercial real estate, particularly industrial buildings, has supported construction activity.
Note: Per CBRE data, there were zero new completions of office space in 2023.
Sources: Census Bureau, Haver Analytics, CBRE-EA.
In agriculture, demand for food and fuel have contributed to persistent increases in agricultural commodity production.
Sources: USDA and EIA
Manufacturing in Nebraska is a highly concentrated industry and has outsized importance to rural communities.
Note: Concentrated areas are counties where the share of manufacturing employment is at least twice the national share.
Sources: BLS, staff.
Manufacturing is particularly concentrated in rural areas of Nebraska.
Note: Concentrated areas are counties where the share of manufacturing employment is at least twice the national share.
Sources: BLS, staff.
More specifically, food manufacturing, tied to agriculture, is especially important in rural areas.
Note: Concentrated areas are counties where the share of manufacturing employment is at least twice the national share. Shares are calculated using data where the manufacturing sub-industry is known. For confidentiality purposes, some county-level sub-industry data is suppressed by the BLS.
Sources: BLS, staff.
Demographic headwinds and labor availability are a notable risk to future growth in nonmetro manufacturing hubs.
Sources: Census Bureau, BLS, Haver Analytics.
The Nebraska Economist features ongoing information and insights on the state's economy.