Why York County Nebraska: Rise Above the Ordinary

November 1, 2025

By Lisa Hurley, Executive Director, York County Development Corporation

In business, growth depends on alignment—where infrastructure meets workforce and where opportunity meets quality of life. York County, Nebraska, embodies that balance. Here, global companies and local innovators alike find the scale, connectivity, and community support to succeed. For executives seeking a site that performs as well for people as it does for production, York County offers an advantage that truly rises above the ordinary.

Strategic Location with Proven Momentum

York County sits at the intersection of Interstate 80 and four-lane U.S. Highway 81, creating direct north–south and east–west mobility across the heartland. From York, companies can reach most Midwestern markets within a single day’s drive while enjoying all the advantages of a smaller, business-friendly community.

The City of York’s third industrial park, the 200-acre Northwest York Industrial Park represents the next chapter in that growth story. Divided by Highway 81, the park provides dual frontage and immediate access to I-80—making it ideal for manufacturing, logistics, or distribution operations that depend on seamless movement of goods. With decades of proven project execution behind it, York’s newest park continues the city’s record of delivering ready-to-build, strategically located industrial land.

Connected by Rail, Positioned for Growth

The BNSF Railway mainline runs along the east side of the Northwest York Industrial Park. Engineering concepts are already in place for both a mainline switch and an internal spur, and BNSF stands ready to collaborate directly with an incoming user to complete construction according to operational needs. This proactive planning ensures a straightforward path to rail service for companies requiring freight access.

On the west side of the park sits the York Municipal Airport, offering private general-aviation facilities for corporate and personal aircraft. While it does not provide commercial or charter service, it offers a vital convenience for executives and technical staff who value flexible access to their operations.

Together, the park’s multimodal assets—I-80, U.S. 81, BNSF Railway, and private-air connectivity—deliver a logistics network rarely matched by communities of similar size.

Where Quality of Life Meets Quality of Workforce

Operational efficiency is only part of the equation; retaining skilled people completes it. York County offers that rare mix of affordability, opportunity, and belonging that keeps employees, and their families, rooted.

As Doug Rood, Senior Manager of Operations Quality at a local advanced-manufacturing company, shared on YCDC’s 17-County podcast:

“People here care about where they live and where they work. That’s what keeps talent stable—you build a life here, not just a job.”

That sense of connection defines York County. Our communities feature top-rated schools, modern healthcare, and safe neighborhoods. The York Creative District, approved by the Nebraska Arts Council, brings art, design, and culture into the daily rhythm of life—through murals, performances, galleries, and local shops that make downtown walkable and vibrant.

Outdoor recreation and family fun are never far away: Recharge Lake, golf at York Country Club, trails, sports complexes, and community events like Yorkfest highlight a lifestyle where people genuinely enjoy where they live. And for those seeking even more to explore, Lincoln is just 45 minutes away and Omaha about 90 minutes, offering access to metropolitan amenities while maintaining the comfort of small community living.

Educated, Skilled, and Ready to Work

A thriving economy requires a strong educational foundation, and York County delivers at every level.

Families can choose from excellent public and private K–12 schools that provide individualized attention and a focus on college and career readiness. These schools’ partner with local employers to introduce students to career pathways in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and business, building talent pipelines from within the community.

At the post-secondary level, York offers two distinct advantages:

The Southeast Community College York Regional Learning Center, provides workforce training, continuing education, and customized programs designed in partnership with local industry.
York University, a four-year private institution with a reputation for academic excellence and civic engagement, producing graduates who contribute to the regional economy in business, education, and leadership.

Together, these institutions help employers find and develop the talent they need, whether through technical training, degree programs, or lifelong learning opportunities.

Third Park, First-Class Experience

York’s industrial parks have a proven record of performance—each one hosting established employers who have invested and expanded over time. The Northwest Industrial Park continues that tradition, built on lessons learned and successes earned.

Key site features include:

200 acres divided by four-lane Highway 81 with immediate I-80 access.
Rail access on the east side with a conceptual spur plan to the BNSF mainline.
York Municipal Airport on the west, supporting private-air travel for corporate users.
Full due-diligence documentation completed for faster timelines.
Flexible master planning for a single large tenant or multiple complementary users.

When YCDC and the City of York describe a site as “ready,” every step—from engineering to permitting—is already aligned to accelerate investment.

Partnership Is Our Business Model

York County Development Corporation (YCDC) partners with business leaders from concept to completion. We coordinate with the City of York, utilities, educational institutions, and state agencies to streamline the entire process.

As Elizabeth Fillman shared on the 17-County podcast, “People show up here—whether it’s for business, school, or service. When everyone’s pulling the same direction, you get momentum that lasts.”

That collaborative energy defines how York County works—with you and for you.

Rise Above the Ordinary

Executives evaluating new U.S. locations often face a trade-off: either big-city infrastructure with big-city costs, or rural affordability with limited access. York County eliminates that choice. Here, you get both—strategic infrastructure and exceptional quality of life.

Our message is simple: if you’re looking for a community where business can perform, people can thrive, and momentum is built into the landscape, you belong in York County, Nebraska.