Sarpy County, Nebraska
Bellevue, Nebraska — Home of Offutt Air Force Base
Quick Facts
- County
- Sarpy County, Nebraska
- Population
- Approx. 53,000
- Median home sale price
- Approx. $289,000
- Median age
- 34.3 years
- School district
- Bellevue Public Schools
Bellevue, Nebraska is a city of roughly 53,000 people in Sarpy County, situated along the Missouri River just ten miles south of downtown Omaha. It is best known as the home of Offutt Air Force Base — one of the most significant military installations in the United States — and as part of the fastest-growing county in Nebraska. For military families, defense contractors, and Omaha metro workers who prefer the south side of the city, Bellevue offers suburban convenience in a community with a strong sense of identity built around military service and Midwestern values.
Founded in 1822, Bellevue holds the distinction of being the oldest continuous settlement in Nebraska. Its name — French for "beautiful view" — was given by fur traders who established a post overlooking the Missouri River valley. That history is still visible in the old town district and in the character of neighborhoods that blend mature trees, established homes, and a walkable feel that newer suburbs often lack.
Bellevue's location also connects it to the broader southwest Iowa region. Communities like Glenwood and Silver City in Mills County sit approximately 30 minutes south via Interstate 29, offering rural acreage and a lower cost of living within a practical commute of the base.
Bellevue by the Numbers
Key Metrics
~53,000
Population
$289K
Median Home Price
34.3
Median Age
~8,000
Active Duty Military
~18,000
Military Dependents
~2,100
DoD Civilians
~10,000
Retirees in Area
10–15 min
Distance to Omaha
Military Installation
Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base is located adjacent to Bellevue in Sarpy County, Nebraska, and serves as the headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), the 557th Weather Wing, and the 55th Wing of Air Combat Command. The base is also home to the 95th Wing and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency CONUS Annex. Together, these units make Offutt one of the most operationally diverse installations in the Department of Defense.
USSTRATCOM and the Nuclear Mission
U.S. Strategic Command is one of eleven unified combatant commands in the Department of Defense. Its mission encompasses global strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, space operations, joint electronic warfare, and analysis and targeting. USSTRATCOM's headquarters at Offutt places Bellevue at the center of the nation's nuclear command-and-control architecture — a role the base has held in one form or another since the Strategic Air Command era. The presence of USSTRATCOM brings with it a significant number of senior military officers, defense civilians, and cleared contractor personnel who live and work in the surrounding community.
The 55th Wing
The 55th Wing is the largest wing in Air Combat Command and the host unit at Offutt. Its primary mission is intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), operating a fleet of specialized aircraft including the RC-135 Rivet Joint, the WC-135 Constant Phoenix, and the OC-135 Open Skies. The wing deploys globally and continuously, supporting combatant commanders with real-time signals intelligence and atmospheric collection. For military families, this means frequent TDYs and deployments — a reality that shapes the community's support networks and family readiness programs.
Economic Impact
Offutt's economic impact on the region is substantial. The base contributes an estimated $3.7 billion annually to the Nebraska economy when accounting for direct payroll, contracts, retiree spending, and secondary economic activity. Approximately 8,000 active duty military members, more than 18,000 dependents, 2,100 Department of Defense civilians, and over 10,000 military retirees in the surrounding area all contribute to that figure. Offutt is the largest single-site employer in the state of Nebraska and the dominant economic engine of the south Omaha metro.
History
Offutt's history is among the most storied of any installation in the Air Force. Originally established as Fort Crook in 1896, the base was renamed in 1924 in honor of First Lieutenant Jarvis Offutt, the first Omaha native killed in World War I. During World War II, the Glenn L. Martin Company bomber plant on the installation produced both the Enola Gay and the Bockscar — the two B-29 Superfortresses used in the atomic bomb missions over Japan. Offutt later served as the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command throughout the Cold War, and in September 2001 it hosted President George W. Bush and senior administration staff in the hours following the September 11 attacks.
PCS to Offutt
Housing Options for Military Families
Military families PCSing to Offutt face the same housing calculation as everyone else — but with a timeline, a BAH rate, and the knowledge that the assignment may last two or three years. On-base housing at Offutt, managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, includes the Capehart and SAC housing areas, but waitlists can stretch for months depending on rank and family size. Bellevue and south Omaha offer solid suburban options at median prices approaching $290,000. But families who want more space and more privacy have increasingly looked beyond the immediate metro — particularly to southwest Iowa, where the cost of land drops significantly and acreage becomes realistic.
What southwest Iowa offers military families near Offutt:
- Rural acreage approximately 30 minutes from Offutt's main gate
- Land prices significantly below median Bellevue home prices
- Freedom to choose your own builder and build on your own timeline
- Modern infrastructure including fiber internet and paved roads in newer developments
- Access to the Glenwood Community School District
- A real investment in land rather than a rental or a suburban build that may not appreciate on a military timeline
For families on BAH who have flexibility in where they live, the math is worth running. A rural acreage lot plus a modular or custom build can come in well under what a median Bellevue home costs, with considerably more land. And unlike a rental, you own the land outright — an asset that holds value regardless of PCS orders.
Education
Schools Near Offutt Air Force Base
Bellevue Public Schools
The largest district serving the Offutt community, Bellevue Public Schools enrolls approximately 10,000 students across 16 schools. The district operates two high schools — Bellevue East and Bellevue West — along with multiple elementary and middle schools. Fort Crook Elementary and Lemay Elementary are the primary schools serving the Capehart on-base housing area. The district has a long history of supporting military-connected students and participates in the Military Interstate Children's Compact.
Serves: Bellevue, on-base housing
Papillion-La Vista
Families living in north Bellevue or the Papillion area may be zoned to Papillion-La Vista Community Schools, which enrolls roughly 12,500 students and is one of the highest-rated districts in the state. The district is known for strong academic performance, competitive athletics, and newer school facilities. Papillion South and Papillion-La Vista South High Schools serve the southern portion of the district closest to Offutt.
Serves: North Bellevue, Papillion
Glenwood Community Schools
For families who choose to live in southwest Iowa, the Glenwood Community School District provides a smaller-school experience with strong community support. The district serves approximately 1,500 students with a student-teacher ratio that allows for more individualized attention. Silver Springs Subdivision is zoned to Glenwood schools, giving military families an alternative to the larger Bellevue and Papillion-La Vista districts.
Serves: Silver Springs, Mills County
Recreation and Culture
Things to Do in Bellevue and Nearby
Bellevue and the surrounding area offer far more than most people expect from a military community in the middle of the country. From nature preserves and river recreation to nationally significant museums and a growing local food scene, there is no shortage of things to do on a weekend.
Fontenelle Forest
Fontenelle Forest is a 1,400-acre nature preserve located on the Missouri River bluffs within Bellevue's city limits. It features over 26 miles of hiking trails ranging from paved, accessible boardwalks to rugged single-track through old-growth hardwood forest. The preserve also operates a raptor recovery center and hosts year-round environmental education programs. A separate area, Neale Woods, adds another 554 acres of trails north of the main preserve. For families, it is one of the best outdoor resources in the metro.
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum
Located in Ashland, roughly 30 minutes west of Bellevue, the SAC Museum houses one of the finest collections of Cold War-era aircraft and missiles in the country. Exhibits include a restored SR-71 Blackbird, a B-36 Peacemaker, and a B-52 Stratofortress, along with detailed exhibits on the history of strategic deterrence. Given Offutt's direct connection to SAC, the museum has particular resonance for families stationed at the base.
Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch
A longtime local favorite, the Bellevue Berry Farm operates seasonally with U-pick berries in summer and a major pumpkin patch and corn maze in fall. It has become a regional destination for families and draws visitors from across the metro. The farm also hosts live music, food vendors, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Missouri River Recreation
The Missouri River runs along Bellevue's eastern edge and provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Haworth Park, located on the riverfront, offers boat ramps, picnic areas, and shelters. The river bottomlands south of Bellevue are popular with hunters during waterfowl season, and the Platte River confluence area to the north is a major stop on the Central Flyway for sandhill cranes each spring.
Local Dining
Bellevue's dining scene has expanded considerably in recent years. Olde Town Bellevue, the historic district near the river, features a mix of local restaurants, coffee shops, and small businesses. The broader Sarpy County corridor along Highway 75 and Galvin Road offers everything from established steakhouses and barbecue joints to newer craft breweries and international cuisine. Omaha's nationally recognized food scene — including the Old Market district — is a short drive north.
Parks and Trails
Beyond Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue maintains over 30 city parks and multiple trail systems. The Keystone Trail, one of the longest paved trails in the Omaha metro, runs through the western part of the city and connects to a regional network stretching from Papillion to north Omaha. Haworth Park and Base Lake Park provide waterfront recreation, and the city's sports complexes host youth leagues year-round.
Regional Growth
Sarpy County: Nebraska's Fastest-Growing County
Sarpy County has been the fastest-growing county in Nebraska for more than a decade, and that trend shows no sign of slowing. The county's population has grown by more than 20 percent since 2010, driven by a combination of military-related employment, suburban expansion from Omaha, and a business-friendly environment that has attracted major employers in technology, logistics, and healthcare.
New development is visible throughout the county. The Southport area near Highway 75 and Cornhusker Road has seen rapid commercial growth, with new retail, dining, and mixed-use projects opening regularly. The Nebraska Crossing outlet mall in Gretna draws shoppers from across the region. Residential development has pushed south and west into former agricultural land, with new subdivisions in La Vista, Papillion, and southern Bellevue adding thousands of homes over the past five years.
Infrastructure investments have kept pace. The Kennedy Freeway (Highway 75) widening project improved north-south traffic flow through the county, and continued improvements to Highway 370 and the Interstate 80 corridor support the growing population. A new VA clinic in Bellevue is expanding healthcare access for the area's large veteran and retiree population.
For homebuyers, the growth trend means strong demand and steady appreciation — but also rising prices. The median home price in Sarpy County now exceeds the Omaha metro average, which is one reason families with flexibility are looking at southwest Iowa as a way to get more space for less money while remaining within commuting distance of the county's major employers.
Real Estate
Bellevue Housing Market
The median home sale price in Bellevue was approximately $289,000 as of late 2025, up about 3 percent year over year. Bellevue is more expensive than Council Bluffs and slightly above Omaha's median, reflecting the demand driven by Offutt and the broader Sarpy County growth trend. Inventory remains tight, particularly for move-in-ready homes in the $250,000 to $350,000 range that aligns with E-7 through O-4 BAH rates.
For buyers considering rural acreage in southwest Iowa as an alternative to purchasing a home in Bellevue, the comparison is significant. Land in Mills County starts well below median Bellevue home prices, with multiple acres instead of a suburban lot — at a commute of about 30 minutes to Offutt. Families who want to build custom or place a modular home have the freedom to do so without homeowner association restrictions, and the overall cost of living in rural Iowa is meaningfully lower than Sarpy County.
Acreage Lots Near Offutt Air Force Base
Silver Springs Subdivision is one of the only acreage developments within a practical commute of Offutt Air Force Base. If you are a military family PCSing to Offutt — or a civilian employee of the base looking for more space than Bellevue or south Omaha provides — it is worth a visit before you commit to something else.
Silver Springs is approximately 30 minutes from Offutt Air Force Base via Interstate 29 and Highway 34.
View Available LotsFrequently Asked Questions
Questions About Living Near Offutt AFB
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How far is Silver Springs from Offutt Air Force Base?
Silver Springs is approximately 30 minutes from Offutt's main gate via Interstate 29 South and Highway 34 West. The drive is mostly highway with minimal traffic, making it a straightforward commute for active duty members, DoD civilians, and contractors working on base.
What is the median home price in Bellevue, Nebraska?
The median home sale price in Bellevue is approximately $289,000 as of late 2025, up roughly 3 percent year over year. Inventory is particularly tight in the $250,000 to $350,000 range that aligns with mid-grade enlisted and junior officer BAH rates.
What commands are based at Offutt Air Force Base?
Offutt is home to U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), the 55th Wing (the largest wing in Air Combat Command), the 557th Weather Wing, and the 95th Wing, among other tenant units. USSTRATCOM oversees global strategic deterrence and nuclear command and control, making Offutt one of the most operationally significant installations in the Department of Defense.
Is Bellevue a good place for military families?
Bellevue is one of the most military-friendly communities in the country. The city has supported Offutt Air Force Base families for decades, with school districts experienced in military-connected student transitions, family readiness programs, and a large population of active duty, veteran, and retiree families. The community understands the PCS cycle and the unique demands of military life, which makes integration easier than in many metro areas.
What is the BAH rate for Offutt Air Force Base?
BAH rates for Offutt AFB (zip code 68113) vary by rank and dependency status. As of 2025, rates for common ranks with dependents are approximately $1,800 to $2,200 per month for E-5 through E-7, and $2,100 to $2,700 for O-1 through O-4. These rates are updated annually by the Department of Defense. Families who choose to live in lower-cost areas like southwest Iowa can often pocket the difference between their BAH and their actual housing costs.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, Nebraska?
Bellevue and Sarpy County have a cost of living slightly above the national average, primarily driven by housing costs. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are at or below national averages. Property taxes in Nebraska are among the highest in the nation, which is a significant factor for homeowners. Families who live across the river in southwest Iowa — including the Silver Springs area — often see meaningful savings on property taxes, housing costs, and overall cost of living while remaining within a short commute of the base.
What outdoor recreation is near Bellevue?
Bellevue offers excellent outdoor recreation. Fontenelle Forest is a 1,400-acre nature preserve with 26 miles of trails on the Missouri River bluffs. Haworth Park provides riverfront access with boat ramps and picnic areas. The Keystone Trail runs through the city as part of a regional paved trail network. The Missouri River and Platte River confluence offer fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation, while the Loess Hills in nearby southwest Iowa provide hiking and hunting opportunities.
Is Sarpy County growing?
Sarpy County has been the fastest-growing county in Nebraska for over a decade, with population growth exceeding 20 percent since 2010. New residential subdivisions, commercial development, and infrastructure projects are ongoing throughout the county. This growth has supported strong home value appreciation but has also pushed median prices above the broader Omaha metro average.
Are there acreage lots near Offutt Air Force Base?
Yes. Silver Springs Subdivision offers 18 acreage lots in Mills County, Iowa, approximately 30 minutes from Offutt, starting at $80,000 with no required builder. Lots range from 2 to 7 acres with paved roads and fiber internet — a rare combination of rural space and modern infrastructure within practical commuting distance of the base.
What schools serve families near Offutt who live off-base?
Depending on location, families may be zoned to Bellevue Public Schools, Papillion-La Vista Community Schools, or the Glenwood Community School District in Iowa. Fort Crook Elementary and Lemay Elementary serve the on-base Capehart housing area within the Bellevue district. Silver Springs residents are zoned to the Glenwood district, which offers smaller class sizes and strong community involvement.
30 Minutes from Offutt AFB
More Land, Less Money,
Still Close to Base
If you're stationed at Offutt or work on base, Silver Springs is 30 minutes south with acreage lots starting at $80,000. Before you sign a lease or settle for a quarter-acre — come see what's available.