The racial wealth gap in Omaha is startling

Omaha is home to more wealth than almost any city in the US. But Omaha’s Black population has been cut off from the city’s general prosperity.

Decorative image of Imagine Omaha beneficiary

What does Omaha’s racial wealth gap look like?

What We Do

Income & employment gap

Black citizens begin careers at lower salaries than whites, even with the same degrees. That income gap widens further throughout adulthood.

Low rates of homeownership

Homeownership among Omaha’s Black citizens is half that of whites. Black homeownership in Omaha ranks 79th out of the largest 100 Black populations in the country.

Lack of leadership opportunities

People of color are shut out from leadership positions in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, including in programs funded specifically to serve Omaha’s marginalized Black community.

Lack of social capital

People from affluent backgrounds have networks —through family and other contacts—that can help them advance. Because poverty is passed down from generation to generation, low-income Black individuals lack such networks.

Achievement gap

Black students have lower high school graduation, college attendance, and college graduation rates, leading to a lack of employment options and opportunities. Even with the same degree, Black people make less than whites.

Lack of transportation

North Omaha is geographically distant from centers of wealth and employment. Omaha lacks sufficient public transportation, and careers are often derailed simply by the lack of ability to get to work.

Physical health issues

Chronic conditions and lack of access to affordable care hamper quality of life and productivity.

Why are Black people cut off from Omaha’s prosperity?

All it takes is for one thing to go wrong, and there you go. That’s either your life or you’re incarcerated or something.

Darcell Trotter
Former North Omaha Resident