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UNO Study Highlights International Migration Driving Nebraska’s Population Growth

  • published: 2025/03/03
  • contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Josie Schafer, Director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research, previously spoke on the geography of demographic change in Nebraska. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

Josie Schafer, Director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research, previously spoke on the geography of demographic change in Nebraska. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

A recent study from UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR), cited by Nebraska Examiner, reveals that Nebraska’s population has surpassed 2 million, with international migration playing a significant role in this growth. The study found that Nebraska’s international migration rate increased by 0.65%, ranking the state 19th nationally.

Why it matters: Josie Schafer, Ph.D., director of CPAR, pointed out that while Nebraska’s international migration numbers are growing, states like Florida and California saw much larger increases. This highlights the importance of migration to the state’s overall population dynamics while showcasing the disparities between Nebraska and other major states.

The big picture: The study provides crucial insights into Nebraska’s demographic trends, helping inform policies related to immigration, community development, and economic growth.

For more on how international migration is influencing Nebraska’s population growth, read the full story on Nebraska Examiner.

Read the full article on Nebraska Examiner

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 

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