Community Definition and Identity
We define our community as the City of McCook including the city’s zoning of a two-mile extension beyond the city limit line for utility support and future growth opportunities. We have chosen to stay within our city limits for our data and metric purposes however, McCook has a consumer base that serves closer to 32,000 whom utilize our services. McCook is located at the intersections of Highway 83 going from North to South, a highway that goes from the Canadian border to the Mexico border and Highway 6 and 34, which is a well-traveled road that connects easily between Eastern Nebraska cities of Lincoln and Omaha, to Colorado including Denver and the Estes Park area. The closest towns of larger size are to the north by 75 miles, North Platte, population 24,110 and to the northeast by 105 miles, Kearney, population 33,520.
McCook offers a regional trade center that is an excellent opportunity for families. It is the perfect place to put down roots, raise a family, and retire.
Outdoor recreation is woven into the fabric of western Nebraska rural communities like McCook. Nature is never more than a few minutes away. Numerous State Recreation Areas, Reservoirs, and Wildlife Management Areas throughout the area are great place for birding, camping, hunting and fishing.
McCook is the home to the award winning, Heritage Hills Golf course, Nebraska’s only James Beard recognized restaurant, and the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in the state.
Whether you come to McCook for shopping, an overnight stay or a several day excursion for the whole family, we promise that it will be a memorable experience! Enjoy the natural settings and outdoor adventures along the river, prairie lakes and walking trails. Celebrate with us during our award-winning festivals, special events, and annual celebrations. Stroll along our brick streets at your leisure while visiting our specialty shops and restaurants.
Key Advantages and Challenges
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Leadership from all generations | Decreasing working age population |
| Wide array of offerings for residents | Increasing aging population |
| Hub for trade and multiple job opportunities | Attracting, recruiting, and retaining necessary qualified staff to a small rural community |
| Environment for Value added agriculture entrants | Highly dependent on an Agricultural based Economy Access to technology |
| Natural Resources – close lakes for fishing/camping and opportunities for hunting | Access to affordable and available housing options |
| McCook Community College student base | Available childcare programs |
| Community Service Groups – Optimists, Rotary, Lions, Habitat for Humanity | |
| Geography being a regional hub used more being 70 to 100 miles from larger cities |
