North Platte is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is located in the west-central part of the state, along Interstate 80, at the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers forming the Platte River. The population was 23,390 at the 2020 census, making it the 11th most populous city in Nebraska.
North Platte is a railroad town; Union Pacific Railroad's large Bailey Yard is located within the city. Today, North Platte is served only by freight trains, but during World War II, the city was known for the North Platte Canteen, a volunteer organization serving food to millions of traveling soldiers.
North Platte is the principal city of the North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson counties.
History
thumb|right|Aerial view of Downtown North Platte in 1925
North Platte was established in 1866 when the Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point. It derives its name from the North Platte River.
North Platte was the western terminus of the Union Pacific Railway from December 1866 until the next section to Ogallala was opened the following year. Even though Congress had authorized the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1862, it had been extended only as far as Fremont, Nebraska, by the end of the 1865 construction season. The section from Fremont to North Platte was completed in 1866.
thumb|House at Scout's Rest Ranch
In the 1880s, Buffalo Bill Cody established his ranch, known as Scout's Rest Ranch, just north of town. It is now a National Historic Landmark.
On July 13, 1929, a Black man shot and killed a white police officer. The Black man reportedly took his own life, being trapped by a mob. This led to the formation of white mobs combing the city, and ordering Black residents to leave North Platte. Fearing mob violence, most of North Platte's Black residents fled.
The North Platte Canteen was one of the largest volunteer efforts of World War II, originating in 1941. Tens of thousands of volunteers from North Platte and surrounding towns met the troop trains passing through North Platte, offering coffee, sandwiches, dessert, and hospitality to nearly seven million servicemen.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water.
Climate
thumb|left|Climate chart for North Platte
North Platte experiences a dry continental climate similar to that of the Nebraska High Plains, classified as hot-summer humid continental (Köppen Dwa, Trewartha Dcao), and, with an annual average precipitation of , barely avoids semi-arid classification; it is part of USDA Hardiness zone 5a. The normal monthly mean temperature ranges from in January to in July.
|collapsed =
|single line = Y
|Jan record high F = 74
|Feb record high F = 79
|Mar record high F = 91
|Apr record high F = 98
|May record high F = 99
|Jun record high F = 108
|Jul record high F = 112
|Aug record high F = 108
|Sep record high F = 105
|Oct record high F = 96
|Nov record high F = 87
|Dec record high F = 78
|year record high F = 112
|Jan avg record high F = 62.6
|Feb avg record high F = 66.7
|Mar avg record high F = 77.9
|Apr avg record high F = 84.8
|May avg record high F = 90.0
|Jun avg record high F = 96.9
|Jul avg record high F = 100.6
|Aug avg record high F = 97.9
|Sep avg record high F = 95.3
|Oct avg record high F = 86.3
|Nov avg record high F = 73.9
|Dec avg record high F = 63.7
|year avg record high F = 102.0
|Jan high F = 40.7
|Feb high F = 43.9
|Mar high F = 55.2
|Apr high F = 63.2
|May high F = 72.8
|Jun high F = 84.0
|Jul high F = 89.7
|Aug high F = 87.2
|Sep high F = 80.0
|Oct high F = 66.0
|Nov high F = 52.6
|Dec high F = 42.0
|year high F = 64.8
|Jan mean F = 26.3
|Feb mean F = 29.4
|Mar mean F = 39.6
|Apr mean F = 48.2
|May mean F = 58.5
|Jun mean F = 69.7
|Jul mean F = 75.6
|Aug mean F = 73.0
|Sep mean F = 64.2
|Oct mean F = 50.2
|Nov mean F = 37.0
|Dec mean F = 27.5
|year mean F = 49.9
|Jan low F = 11.9
|Feb low F = 14.8
|Mar low F = 23.9
|Apr low F = 33.2
|May low F = 44.2
|Jun low F = 55.4
|Jul low F = 61.4
|Aug low F = 58.8
|Sep low F = 48.3
|Oct low F = 34.3
|Nov low F = 21.4
|Dec low F = 13.1
|year low F = 35.1
|Jan avg record low F = -8.2
|Feb avg record low F = -5.1
|Mar avg record low F = 4.6
|Apr avg record low F = 17.1
|May avg record low F = 27.5
|Jun avg record low F = 41.4
|Jul avg record low F = 49.5
|Aug avg record low F = 46.9
|Sep avg record low F = 31.7
|Oct avg record low F = 17.0
|Nov avg record low F = 4.3
|Dec avg record low F = -5.1
|year avg record low F = -14.5
|Jan record low F = −35
|Feb record low F = −35
|Mar record low F = −25
|Apr record low F = -3
|May record low F = 18
|Jun record low F = 29
|Jul record low F = 39
|Aug record low F = 35
|Sep record low F = 17
|Oct record low F = 4
|Nov record low F = −25
|Dec record low F = −34
|year record low F = -35
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.39
|Feb precipitation inch = 0.57
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.00
|Apr precipitation inch = 2.29
|May precipitation inch = 3.35
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.54
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.18
|Aug precipitation inch = 2.56
|Sep precipitation inch = 1.61
|Oct precipitation inch = 1.65
|Nov precipitation inch = 0.49
|Dec precipitation inch = 0.45
|year precipitation inch = 21.08
|Jan snow inch = 5.1
|Feb snow inch = 6.9
|Mar snow inch = 4.2
|Apr snow inch = 3.6
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.1
|Oct snow inch = 2.2
|Nov snow inch = 3.0
|Dec snow inch = 4.5
|year snow inch = 29.6
|Jan snow depth inch = 3.5
|Feb snow depth inch = 4.3
|Mar snow depth inch = 2.7
|Apr snow depth inch = 1.8
|May snow depth inch = 0.0
|Jun snow depth inch = 0.0
|Jul snow depth inch = 0.0
|Aug snow depth inch = 0.0
|Sep snow depth inch = 0.0
|Oct snow depth inch = 0.9
|Nov snow depth inch = 2.0
|Dec snow depth inch = 2.8
|year snow depth inch = 6.8
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 4.4
|Feb precipitation days = 5.3
|Mar precipitation days = 6.5
|Apr precipitation days = 9.0
|May precipitation days = 11.5
|Jun precipitation days = 10.8
|Jul precipitation days = 10.2
|Aug precipitation days = 8.9
|Sep precipitation days = 6.7
|Oct precipitation days = 6.8
|Nov precipitation days = 4.2
|Dec precipitation days = 3.7
|year precipitation days = 88.0
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 4.3
|Feb snow days = 4.3
|Mar snow days = 3.4
|Apr snow days = 2.2
|May snow days = 0.1
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.1
|Oct snow days = 0.9
|Nov snow days = 2.1
|Dec snow days = 3.6
|year snow days = 21.0
|Jan humidity = 69.3
|Feb humidity = 68.2
|Mar humidity = 64.4
|Apr humidity = 59.6
|May humidity = 63.3
|Jun humidity = 63.9
|Jul humidity = 63.0
|Aug humidity = 64.1
|Sep humidity = 63.8
|Oct humidity = 61.5
|Nov humidity = 66.9
|Dec humidity = 69.6
|year humidity = 64.8
|Jan sun = 185.0
|Feb sun = 180.2
|Mar sun = 227.4
|Apr sun = 257.5
|May sun = 290.8
|Jun sun = 322.9
|Jul sun = 352.9
|Aug sun = 319.2
|Sep sun = 259.5
|Oct sun = 236.2
|Nov sun = 174.0
|Dec sun = 170.0
|year sun = 2975.6
|Jan percentsun = 62
|Feb percentsun = 60
|Mar percentsun = 61
|Apr percentsun = 64
|May percentsun = 65
|Jun percentsun = 71
|Jul percentsun = 77
|Aug percentsun = 75
|Sep percentsun = 69
|Oct percentsun = 69
|Nov percentsun = 59
|Dec percentsun = 59
|year percentsun = 67
|Jan dew point C = -11.3
|Feb dew point C = -8.7
|Mar dew point C = -4.9
|Apr dew point C = 0.1
|May dew point C = 6.6
|Jun dew point C = 12.1
|Jul dew point C = 14.9
|Aug dew point C = 13.8
|Sep dew point C = 8.2
|Oct dew point C = 1.2
|Nov dew point C = -5.0
|Dec dew point C = -10.0
|year dew point C = 1.4
|source 1 = NOAA (relative humidity and sun 1961–1990)
Demographics
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, North Platte had a population of 23,390 and 10,202 households, including 6,061 families. The population density was 1,730.0 per square mile (667.9/km).
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census
! Race !! Number !! Percent
|-
| White || 20,242 || 86.5%
|-
| Black or African American || 384 || 1.6%
|-
| American Indian and Alaska Native || 184 || 0.8%
|-
| Asian || 268 || 1.1%
|-
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander || 6 || 0.0%
|-
| Some other race || 725 || 3.1%
|-
| Two or more races || 1,581 || 6.8%
|-
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) || 2,426 || 10.4%
|}
2016–2020 American Community Survey
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $52,653 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,357) and the median family income $67,702 (+/- $5,175). Males had a median income of $39,363 (+/- $4,731) versus $25,799 (+/- $1,263) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,772 (+/- $1,712). Approximately, 6.7% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under the age of 18 and 15.3% of those ages 65 or over.
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 24,733 people, 10,560 households, and 6,290 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 11,450 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 93.1% White, 1.0% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 2.8% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.8% of the population.
There were 10,560 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.4% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.95.
The median age in the city was 37.1 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 23,878 people, 9,944 households, and 6,224 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 10,718 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 93.47% White, 0.71% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.30% from other races, and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.68% of the population.
There were 9,944 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.
As of 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $34,181, and the median income for a family was $42,753. Males had a median income of $36,445 versus $20,157 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,306. About 7.8% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.
Arts and culture
Lincoln County Historical Museum contains a display detailing the history of the North Platte Canteen. It also contains a Prairie Village with local landmark homes and other buildings, including a Pony Express station and pioneer church among many others.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is located near North Platte, a Nebraska living history park about "Buffalo Bill" Cody. The park includes his actual house known as Scout's Rest Ranch. The park is two miles west of U.S. Highway 83 along U.S. Highway 30.
Every June, North Platte hosts the annual "Nebraskaland Days". The event includes parades, art shows, rodeos, concerts, and food events. It draws over 100,000 attendees every year.
North Platte is host to the annual Miss Nebraska pageant taking place every June, an official preliminary for the Miss America Organization.
A independent professional baseball team, the North Platte 80s, began play in 2024 in the Pecos League. North Platte was also the prior home the minor league baseball North Platte Indians of the Nebraska State League.
Infrastructure
thumb|Bailey Yard at night
Transportation
North Platte is home to the world's largest rail yard, Bailey Yard. The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is an eight-story building which overlooks the expansive classification yard and engine facilities. The tower and visitor center are open to the public year-round. Passenger train service was discontinued in 1971.
North Platte is home to North Platte Regional Airport. United Express serves the airport with twice-daily service to Denver International Airport. There is also a door-to-door bus system available for residents of the town.
Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Burlington Trailways and Express Arrow.
North Platte is served by two major cross-country U.S. highways and Interstate 80. I-80 runs south of the South Platte River through the outer edge of town. Much of the town's commercial area has moved to the intersection of I-80 and U.S. Route 83, which runs north to downtown, and continues to points as far north as Canada or south to Mexico. U.S. Route 30 intersects with U.S. 83 downtown and follows the north side of the Platte/South Platte River from east to west.
Economy
Union Pacific is the city’s largest employer, with more than 1,700 workers. Great Plains Health employs about 1,300. The Sustainable Beef meatpacking plant, which opened in May 2025, was expected to employ 850 by the end of the year. A Walmart distribution center employs about 600.
A previous major employer, Consolidated Freightways, relocated employees to Las Vegas and Lincoln in 1980.
Media
==Notable people==<!-- PLEASE RESPECT ALPHABETICAL ORDER -->
- Chris Başak, baseball infielder was born in North Platte. He played in the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees organizations. He made five appearances in the major leagues in 2007 with the Yankees, going 0-for-1.
- Howard Baskerville, American teacher in the Presbyterian mission school in Tabriz, Iran; born in North Platte. He was killed defending the Constitutional Revolution of Iran and known as "American Martyr of the Constitutional Revolution."
- Buffalo Bill Cody, iconic Wild West showman, owned a ranch in North Platte.
- Nathan Enderle, football quarterback, selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft; born in North Platte and attended North Platte High School.
- Paul Faulkner (1913–1997), artist; born in North Platte.
- Chuck Hagel, Nebraska U.S. Senator and U.S. Secretary of Defense; born in North Platte.
- Bill Hayes, baseball player, lived in North Platte and attended Saint Patrick's High School.
- Henry Hill (1943–2012), New York City mobster; worked as a cook in North Platte.
- Evelyn Hooker, (1907-1996) Psychologist and research professor at UCLA known for her research challenging the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder; born in North Platte.
- John Howell, former American football safety in the National Football League, played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks; born in North Platte.
- Glenn Miller, popular big band leader; lived in North Platte for one year during his early childhood.
- Keith Neville, 18th governor of Nebraska; born in North Platte.
- Joe Ragland (born 1989), American-Liberian basketball player for Hapoel Holon of the Israeli Basketball Premier League
- Red Cloud, Sioux warrior; born near North Platte in 1822.
- Dr. Don Rose, San Francisco Bay Area disc jockey; born and raised in North Platte and frequently referred to the city on his morning show.
- Ryan Schultz, professional mixed martial artist, Lightweight Champion of defunct IFL; raised in North Platte.
- Zane Smith, professional baseball player, was a two-sport athlete for North Platte 1978–79, before spending 13 years in major league baseball.
- Danny Woodhead, retired NFL running back; born in North Platte and attended North Platte High School.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places in Lincoln County, Nebraska
Explanatory notes
References
Further reading
External links
- City of North Platte
- North Platte Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau