Community & County Profile
Grand Island is Nebraska’s largest city outside of the Omaha & Lincoln Metropolitan area; it's the third largest retail trade center in Nebraska. Local government is handled by the Mayor, City Council, and County Board of Supervisors. Grand Island is a three-time All-American City (1955, 1967 & 1981), and was named Outstanding Nebraska Community in 1997. World Trade Magazine has ranked Grand Island 9th in the Top 10 List of Smaller Communities with an excellent quality of life.
There is truth to the stereotype of Midwestern hospitality. We smile a lot and often wave as we pass each other on the highway.
The city is served by 19 public and 7 private schools. Post-secondary educational instittions include Central Community College, College Park – (Doane & Bellevue Adult Education Facility), and the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center. 56 churches are in and around Grand Island.
Hall County is in the Central Time Zone and includes the communities of Alda, Cairo, Doniphan, Grand Island, and Wood River.
Population (2010 US Census)
- Grand Island — 49,520
- Hall County — 58,607
Top Five Employers
- Swift & Company: 3,500 employees
- Chief Industries: 1,641 employees
- St Francis Medical Center: 1,300 employees
- Case IH (formerly Case New Holland): 750 employees
- McCain Foods, USA: 546 employees
Information — Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation
EXPLORE GRAND ISLAND
-
The prairies around Grand Island were settled by pioneers from Iowa through a business venture that was anticipating the arrival of the railroad. Stuhr Museum tells that story.
-
Stepping into the immaculate and original art-deco interior of the Grand Theatre is just like stepping back into the 1930s when the theatre was built.
-
After being devastated by seven tornadoes in one night, Grand Island created this recreational monument out of the debris.