Map of Nebraska

Sitemap to all pages covering the state of Nebraska. Photography contributions by Alex Nitzman, Andy Field, Brent Ivy and Peter Johnson.

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Nebraska State Highway System

Nebraska state routes are generally divided into three groups: primary, secondary links, and secondary spurs. The primary routes are usually one or two digits but sometimes are three-digit routes. The secondary system allows for connections from the primary system (Interstate, U.S., or Nebraska Primary) to towns and cities throughout the state. If the secondary route connects two routes (perhaps into or through a city or town), the secondary state route is called a “link.” If the connection leads into a city or town without reconnecting to a state route, the secondary state route is called a “spur.” Occasionally, a third designation for secondary state routes for connections to state parks and recreational areas is used; these are called “recreation road.”

The route number for these secondary routes is determined by the county in which the route is located in alphabetical order (numbers range from 1 to 93, or from Adams to York County). A letter suffix is appended to the route number, and this helps separate multiple link and spur routes within a given county. The end result is a route number such as “L-2A,” which would be the first (“A”) link route in the second county (Antelope County). For more information visit Jesse Whidden’s Nebraska Roads.

Population Statistics

State Population
1,961,504
Metropolitan Populations
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA 967,604 Lincoln 340,217 Sioux City, IA-NE 149,940
Grand Island 77,038 Kearney 56,772 Norfolk 48,744
Top County Populations
Douglas 584,526 Lancaster 322,608 Sarpy 190,604
Hall 62,895 Buffalo 50,084 Dodge 37,167
Top City Populations
Omaha 478,393 Lincoln 290,505 Bellevue 53,270
Grand Island 51,004 Kearney 34,235 Fremont 26,227
Hastings 24,725 Norfolk 24,363 Columbus 23,597
Sources: 2020 U.S. Census Data (metro populations and counties), 2020 U.S. Census Estimate (cities)

About Nebraska

  • Capital: Lincoln
  • Nickname: Cornhusker State
  • Area: 77,355 square miles or 200,350 square kilometers, 15th largest
  • Statehood: 37th state; admitted March 1, 1867
  • Total Interstate Mileage: 481.66 miles
  • Highest Point: Panorama Point (5,424 feet above sea level)
  • Mining: oil, natural gas, sand, gravel, stone
  • Agriculture: cattle, milk, corn, pigs/hogs, soybeans, wheat, sorghum

This page, and all the Nebraska Roads pages herein, are in no way related to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT).

Updated March 3, 2024.