Amid demographic and cultural shifts that are changing communities in Nebraska and the country, a wide-ranging new survey from PRRI explores the fault lines resulting from these changes and the bridges being built across the divides. The survey of over 1,300 Nebraskans shows a state in transition: Nebraskans are more likely than Americans overall to be born in the U.S. and to live in the community in which they grew up, but they are simultaneously more likely than Americans overall to report that they live in a community with many new immigrants. And like Americans overall, Nebraskans are deeply divided along political, racial, and religious lines about the desirability of these changes and what they mean for the future of Nebraska communities and the nation. The survey compares Nebraskans’ attitudes to the country as a whole and examines unique local dynamics, such as the reach and influence of the meatpacking industry in the state. The survey shows that despite these challenges, Nebraskans remain optimistic about their ability to work together across racial and religious lines, even if partisan divides remain daunting.

On November 13, Auburn Theological Seminary and the Sherwood Foundation will host an event in Omaha to release the results of this survey. After a presentation of the results of the survey by PRRI CEO Robert P. Jones, researchers from PRRI and Auburn will lead a discussion of the survey results and take questions.