LINCOLN- According to newly released U.S. Census data, Nebraska's 'brain drain,' or the phenomenon of individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher leaving the state, is worsening, with the survey raising an alarm about who is fleeing. "Notably, the data reveals that individuals 25 years and older with other levels of educational attainment also are leaving the state," said Josie Schafer of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Schafer said the data did not allow for to definitely answer why the people with less education than a bachelor's or professional degree are leaving the state as well, but believes these patterns could be driven by job availability, better wages, and job benefits offered elsewhere. "The idea of Nebraska being a low cost-of-living-state...they might not be feeling it," said Schafer.

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce has identified affordable workforce housing and child care as the top challenges to filling vacant jobs and spurring economic growth. Erin Porterfield, executive director of Heartland Workforce Solutions, believes negative experiences with racism "contribute to feeling unsafe" in Nebraska and might be prompting her clients to eye the exit door. Porterfield also highlighted Nebraska's relatively new "employment pipeline," which she argues leaves some young adults unsure about their employment and career opportunities.

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