2026 Rankings

Environmental Justice Concern Areas in Nebraska — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

446 ZIP codes ranked by EJ Index #1: ZIP 68601 (Columbus, NE) - 70/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 446 ZIP codes with data in Nebraska, these are the highest-ranked areas for ej index. See also: National ZIP Codes with Highest Environmental Justice Concern | All Nebraska Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 446
Highest value 70/100
Median value 20/100
State Nebraska

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State EJ Index Safety Score
1 68601 Columbus NE 70/100 35/100
2 69337 Chadron NE 68/100 50/100
3 68102 Omaha NE 64/100 46/100
4 68004 Bancroft NE 60/100 40/100
5 68710 Allen NE 60/100 22/100
6 68769 Plainview NE 60/100 33/100
7 68770 Ponca NE 60/100 45/100
8 68935 Edgar NE 60/100 33/100
9 68110 Omaha NE 59/100 51/100
10 68111 Omaha NE 59/100 51/100
11 68701 Norfolk NE 58/100 61/100
12 68901 Hastings NE 56/100 62/100
13 68105 Omaha NE 52/100 51/100
14 68108 Omaha NE 52/100 51/100
15 68131 Omaha NE 52/100 46/100
16 68367 Gresham NE 51/100 64/100
17 68375 Hubbell NE 51/100 69/100
18 69039 Moorefield NE 51/100 65/100
19 68005 Bellevue NE 50/100 55/100
20 68324 Burr NE 50/100 33/100
21 68440 Steele City NE 50/100 24/100
22 68467 York NE 50/100 61/100
23 68508 Lincoln NE 50/100 65/100
24 68640 Genoa NE 50/100 62/100
25 68730 Crofton NE 50/100 58/100
26 68739 Hartington NE 50/100 58/100
27 68764 Orchard NE 50/100 73/100
28 68791 Wisner NE 50/100 13/100
29 68865 Phillips NE 50/100 38/100
30 69367 Whitney NE 50/100 81/100
31 68760 Niobrara NE 49/100 38/100
32 68008 Blair NE 48/100 61/100
33 68064 Valley NE 48/100 51/100
34 68638 Fullerton NE 48/100 67/100
35 68783 Verdigre NE 48/100 66/100
36 68882 Wolbach NE 48/100 62/100
37 68745 Laurel NE 46/100 60/100
38 69169 Wallace NE 45/100 99/100
39 68002 Arlington NE 44/100 63/100
40 68003 Ashland NE 44/100 51/100
41 68033 Ithaca NE 44/100 66/100
42 68046 Papillion NE 44/100 58/100
43 68104 Omaha NE 44/100 46/100
44 68107 Omaha NE 44/100 46/100
45 68112 Omaha NE 44/100 46/100
46 68127 Omaha NE 44/100 46/100
47 68134 Omaha NE 44/100 46/100
48 68405 Milford NE 44/100 66/100
49 69024 Culbertson NE 44/100 65/100
50 69221 Wood Lake NE 44/100 98/100
51 68659 Rogers NE 43/100 68/100
52 68746 Lynch NE 43/100 63/100
53 69128 Bushnell NE 43/100 75/100
54 69217 Long Pine NE 43/100 97/100
55 68634 Duncan NE 42/100 64/100
56 68810 Alda NE 42/100 80/100
57 69044 Trenton NE 42/100 63/100
58 69127 Brule NE 42/100 81/100
59 68022 Elkhorn NE 40/100 52/100
60 68041 Mead NE 40/100 70/100
61 68874 Sargent NE 40/100 82/100
62 69125 Broadwater NE 40/100 82/100
63 68001 Abie NE 38/100 66/100
64 68042 Memphis NE 38/100 64/100
65 68048 Plattsmouth NE 38/100 58/100
66 68416 Ohiowa NE 38/100 62/100
67 68450 Tecumseh NE 38/100 69/100
68 68503 Lincoln NE 38/100 65/100
69 68504 Lincoln NE 38/100 60/100
70 68631 Creston NE 38/100 61/100
71 68981 Upland NE 38/100 66/100
72 69357 Mitchell NE 38/100 79/100
73 68019 Craig NE 36/100 59/100
74 68352 Fairbury NE 36/100 68/100
75 68714 Bassett NE 36/100 98/100
76 68727 Coleridge NE 36/100 64/100
77 68788 West Point NE 36/100 64/100
78 68838 Farwell NE 36/100 81/100
79 68853 Loup City NE 36/100 81/100
80 69129 Chappell NE 36/100 82/100
81 69350 Hyannis NE 36/100 97/100
82 69360 Rushville NE 36/100 81/100
83 68025 Fremont NE 34/100 52/100
84 68055 Rosalie NE 34/100 66/100
85 68106 Omaha NE 34/100 46/100
86 68114 Omaha NE 34/100 46/100
87 68116 Omaha NE 34/100 51/100
88 68117 Omaha NE 34/100 46/100
89 68118 Omaha NE 34/100 51/100
90 68122 Omaha NE 34/100 51/100
91 68124 Omaha NE 34/100 46/100
92 68130 Omaha NE 34/100 51/100

Methodology

The Environmental Justice Index combines environmental risk factors (water violations, lead, flooding) with socioeconomic vulnerability indicators. Higher values indicate communities facing disproportionate environmental burden. This metric highlights areas where infrastructure investment and policy attention are most needed.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Environmental Justice Index?

The EJ Index identifies communities that face disproportionate environmental hazards relative to their socioeconomic resilience. Areas with high violation counts, aging infrastructure, AND vulnerable populations score highest. These areas need the most infrastructure investment.

Why does environmental justice matter for homebuyers?

High EJ Index areas often have deferred infrastructure maintenance, slower violation resolution, and less access to clean water alternatives. For homebuyers, this means potential hidden costs for water filtration, flood insurance, and home remediation.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead service-line indicators and system-level action-level exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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