Radon levels in Nebraska: Moderate
The model predicts a population-weighted basement average of 3.6 pCi/L (model estimate) across Nebraska's 93 counties - about 2.0× the US average of 1.8 pCi/L. Above-ground floors average 2.1 pCi/L.
Predicted (model estimate). The pCi/L figures on this page are long-term area averages from a peer-reviewed national model built on millions of real radon tests (2001-2021). They describe the typical home in this area - not your home, which can be several times higher or lower. The EPA radon zone is a separate, 1993 county-level classification. How the numbers work.
53 / 93
EPA Zone 1 counties (57%)
24 / 16
Zone 2 / Zone 3 counties
42
counties predicted ≥ 4 pCi/L
50.1%
of ZIP codes predicted ≥ 4 pCi/L
Test Nebraska - the EPA says "consider fixing" in this range
The predicted basement average here is 3.6 pCi/L, in the 2-4 pCi/L band where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. Plenty of individual homes in a moderate area test above 4. Start with a short-term test; if it comes back at 2 or higher, follow up with a long-term test or a continuous monitor.
Monitor link goes to the Airthings store - use code RADONGRADE-10OFF at checkout for 10% off any Airthings monitor.
Already tested at 4 pCi/L or higher? Find a certified mitigation professional (EPA). A mitigation system typically runs $800-$2,500 installed.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission from Airthings or Amazon at no extra cost to you.
What the data says about radon in Nebraska
According to the EPA zone map, 53 of Nebraska's 93 counties are EPA Zone 1 (57%), 24 are Zone 2 and 16 are Zone 3. Zone 1 - the highest-potential class, predicted screening average above 4 pCi/L - is the most common designation in Nebraska. Treat the map as a coarse prior: it predates two decades of test data and never replaces a test in your own home.
The 2001-2021 national model predicts a population-weighted basement average of 3.6 pCi/L for Nebraska (moderate range, 2.0× the US population-weighted average of 1.8). Of the 93 counties with predictions, 42 are predicted at or above 4 pCi/L, 51 in the 2-4 band and 0 below 2. The highest predicted county is Burt County at 5.7 pCi/L; the lowest is Hooker County at 2.3 - a 3.5 pCi/L spread that means a statewide average tells you little about any one county.
99.8% of the state's modeled ZIP codes are predicted at or above 2 pCi/L, and 50.1% at or above the 4 pCi/L action level - above the national shares of 4.2% and 48.7%. With more than half of ZIPs above 2, a test is worth doing before any purchase or renovation here.
Nebraska counties by predicted radon
Sorted highest to lowest predicted basement average (model estimate). 93 counties.
| County | Predicted basement | Upstairs | Grade | EPA zone | ZIPs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burt County | 5.7 pCi/L | 3.3 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Dixon County | 5.6 pCi/L | 3.0 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 8 |
| Wayne County | 5.4 pCi/L | 2.3 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 4 |
| Butler County | 5.3 pCi/L | 2.9 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 9 |
| Polk County | 5.3 pCi/L | 2.8 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| York County | 5.2 pCi/L | 2.8 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 6 |
| Nemaha County | 5.2 pCi/L | 2.9 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 6 |
| Cedar County | 5.2 pCi/L | 3.0 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 9 |
| Seward County | 5.2 pCi/L | 2.7 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 8 |
| Fillmore County | 5.0 pCi/L | 2.7 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 8 |
| Otoe County | 5.0 pCi/L | 2.6 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 10 |
| Saunders County | 5.0 pCi/L | 2.7 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 14 |
| Stanton County | 4.9 pCi/L | 2.8 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 2 |
| Cass County | 4.9 pCi/L | 2.7 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 13 |
| Thurston County | 4.9 pCi/L | 2.6 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 7 |
| Clay County | 4.9 pCi/L | 2.6 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 10 |
| Gage County | 4.8 pCi/L | 2.7 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 13 |
| Hamilton County | 4.8 pCi/L | 2.7 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 6 |
| Richardson County | 4.7 pCi/L | 2.6 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 8 |
| Webster County | 4.7 pCi/L | 2.5 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Nuckolls County | 4.6 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 7 |
| Thayer County | 4.6 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 11 |
| Dodge County | 4.5 pCi/L | 2.6 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 7 |
| Madison County | 4.5 pCi/L | 2.7 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Johnson County | 4.5 pCi/L | 2.5 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Saline County | 4.5 pCi/L | 2.6 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 7 |
| Washington County | 4.5 pCi/L | 2.9 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Kearney County | 4.4 pCi/L | 2.5 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 3 |
| Jefferson County | 4.4 pCi/L | 2.5 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 7 |
| Cuming County | 4.4 pCi/L | 2.6 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 4 |
| Franklin County | 4.4 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 8 |
| Furnas County | 4.4 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 7 |
| Boone County | 4.4 pCi/L | 2.6 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Nance County | 4.3 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 3 |
| Harlan County | 4.3 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 4 |
| Knox County | 4.3 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 8 |
| Colfax County | 4.3 pCi/L | 2.3 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 4 |
| Frontier County | 4.3 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 6 |
| Adams County | 4.2 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 6 |
| Phelps County | 4.2 pCi/L | 2.5 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Boyd County | 4.1 pCi/L | 2.4 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Gosper County | 4.1 pCi/L | 2.3 | High | EPA Zone 1 | 2 |
| Pawnee County | 4.0 pCi/L | 2.3 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 6 |
| Dakota County | 3.9 pCi/L | 2.2 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Greeley County | 3.9 pCi/L | 2.3 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 4 |
| Hayes County | 3.8 pCi/L | 2.2 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 2 |
| Platte County | 3.8 pCi/L | 2.3 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 7 |
| Red Willow County | 3.7 pCi/L | 2.2 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 5 |
| Dawes County | 3.6 pCi/L | 2.0 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 3 |
| Hitchcock County | 3.6 pCi/L | 2.0 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 3 |
| Pierce County | 3.6 pCi/L | 2.0 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 4 |
| Antelope County | 3.6 pCi/L | 1.8 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 8 |
| Lancaster County | 3.5 pCi/L | 2.1 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 35 |
| Buffalo County | 3.5 pCi/L | 1.9 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 11 |
| Dundy County | 3.3 pCi/L | 1.8 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 4 |
| Sarpy County | 3.2 pCi/L | 2.0 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 11 |
| Keith County | 3.2 pCi/L | 1.8 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 5 |
| Chase County | 3.1 pCi/L | 1.8 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 4 |
| Howard County | 3.1 pCi/L | 1.6 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 6 |
| Douglas County | 3.1 pCi/L | 2.0 | Moderate | EPA Zone 1 | 32 |
| Sioux County | 3.1 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 5 |
| Cheyenne County | 3.1 pCi/L | 1.8 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 5 |
| Custer County | 3.1 pCi/L | 1.6 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 11 |
| Valley County | 3.1 pCi/L | 1.7 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 4 |
| Sheridan County | 3.0 pCi/L | 1.8 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 5 |
| Scotts Bluff County | 3.0 pCi/L | 1.9 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 3 |
| Garfield County | 2.9 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 1 |
| Perkins County | 2.9 pCi/L | 1.7 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 4 |
| Sherman County | 2.9 pCi/L | 1.7 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 5 |
| Banner County | 2.9 pCi/L | 1.7 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 1 |
| Dawson County | 2.8 pCi/L | 1.6 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 6 |
| Brown County | 2.8 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 3 |
| Morrill County | 2.8 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 4 |
| Kimball County | 2.7 pCi/L | 1.6 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 3 |
| Merrick County | 2.7 pCi/L | 1.4 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 6 |
| Logan County | 2.7 pCi/L | 1.4 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 1 |
| Garden County | 2.7 pCi/L | 1.6 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 3 |
| Hall County | 2.6 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 6 |
| Box Butte County | 2.6 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 2 |
| Holt County | 2.6 pCi/L | 1.3 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 9 |
| Keya Paha County | 2.6 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 2 |
| Deuel County | 2.6 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | EPA Zone 2 | 2 |
| Arthur County | 2.5 pCi/L | 1.3 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 1 |
| Cherry County | 2.5 pCi/L | 1.3 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 9 |
| Thomas County | 2.4 pCi/L | 1.2 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 2 |
| Blaine County | 2.4 pCi/L | 1.1 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 3 |
| Lincoln County | 2.4 pCi/L | 1.6 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 9 |
| Rock County | 2.4 pCi/L | 1.2 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 2 |
| Wheeler County | 2.4 pCi/L | 1.1 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 2 |
| Grant County | 2.4 pCi/L | 1.3 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 2 |
| McPherson County | 2.3 pCi/L | 1.2 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 1 |
| Loup County | 2.3 pCi/L | 1.1 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 1 |
| Hooker County | 2.3 pCi/L | 1.1 | Moderate | EPA Zone 3 | 1 |
Radon levels in Nebraska cities
The 4 most-populous Nebraska places among the 1,000 largest US cities (Census incorporated places and CDPs), by population. City figures are ZIP-land-weighted means of the model's ZIP predictions (model estimate).
| City | Population | Predicted basement | Upstairs | Grade | ZIPs ≥ 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 483,335 | 3.1 pCi/L | 2.0 | Moderate | 0% |
| Lincoln | 294,757 | 3.5 pCi/L | 2.1 | Moderate | 19% |
| Bellevue | 63,922 | 3.3 pCi/L | 2.0 | Moderate | 0% |
| Grand Island | 52,622 | 2.5 pCi/L | 1.5 | Moderate | 0% |
Highest-radon ZIP codes in Nebraska
The 10 Nebraska ZIP codes with the highest predicted basement average (model estimate), out of 559 modeled. A ZIP average is still an area figure - neighboring homes routinely test several pCi/L apart.
| ZIP | County | Predicted basement | Upstairs | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68784 | Dixon County | 6.3 pCi/L | 3.1 | High |
| 68038 | Burt County | 6.2 pCi/L | 3.7 | High |
| 68061 | Burt County | 6.1 pCi/L | 3.7 | High |
| 68004 | Cuming County | 6.0 pCi/L | 3.3 | High |
| 68733 | Thurston County | 6.0 pCi/L | 3.0 | High |
| 68305 | Nemaha County | 5.8 pCi/L | 3.2 | High |
| 68463 | Cass County | 5.8 pCi/L | 2.9 | High |
| 68632 | Butler County | 5.8 pCi/L | 3.1 | High |
| 68643 | Platte County | 5.7 pCi/L | 2.9 | High |
| 68002 | Washington County | 5.7 pCi/L | 3.0 | High |
Nebraska radon questions
- Is radon high in Nebraska?
- Nebraska's population-weighted predicted basement average is 3.6 pCi/L, about 2.0× the US average of 1.8. 42 of its 93 modeled counties are predicted at or above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, 51 are in the 2-4 "consider fixing" range and 0 are below 2. 50.1% of Nebraska ZIP codes are predicted at 4 or higher.
- Which Nebraska county has the highest radon?
- Burt County has the highest predicted basement average in Nebraska at 5.7 pCi/L (EPA Zone 1). The lowest is Hooker County at 2.3 pCi/L. These are area figures; individual homes in any county can test far higher.
- How many EPA Zone 1 counties are in Nebraska?
- 53 of Nebraska's 93 counties (57%) are EPA Zone 1 (highest potential), 24 are Zone 2 and 16 are Zone 3. The EPA zone map dates from 1993; the predicted values on this page come from a 2001-2021 model built on millions of actual tests, so the two can disagree for a given county.
- Should I test for radon in Nebraska?
- Yes - with some urgency. Nebraska's predicted average is in the moderate range, and 99.8% of its ZIP codes are predicted at 2 pCi/L or higher. A short-term charcoal kit or a continuous digital monitor will tell you your actual level within days.
Nebraska radon program
Nebraska's radon program page is at dhhs.ne.gov; it lists testing and certified-mitigator guidance for the state. The EPA also keeps a directory of every state radon contact: EPA state radon contacts page. Then read how to test and what mitigation costs.