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Alliance

city

Alliance is a city located in Box Butte County in western Nebraska, situated in the Great Plains region. As of 2020, the population was 8,151. Alliance serves as the county seat and is the largest city within a 50-mile radius, blending small-town charm with regional significance. Alliance's economy has roots in agriculture, business, industry, and railroading. It was once known as the "Potato Center of Nebraska" and the "Cattle Capital of Nebraska". Key sectors include healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. The city provides municipal services such as water, sewage, and electricity. Alliance is known for Carhenge, a replica of Stonehenge made from automobiles. The city's downtown area, with its brick-lined streets, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Alliance Parks System, connected by the Snake Creek Trail, offers recreational opportunities.

Alliance, Nebraska

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
3100905
Country
United States
County
Box Butte County
Geography
Region
Great Plains
Elevation
3,966 ft
Total Area
4.73 sq mi
Land Area
4.72 sq mi
Water Area
0.01 sq mi
Latitude
42.09302
Longitude
-102.8702
Climate
Semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Annual precipitation averages around 16 inches, and snowfall averages around 39 inches.
Notable Features
Sandhills
Demographics
Population (2020)
8,151
Est. Population (2026)
8,025
Median Age
40.8
Median Income
$65,160
Poverty Rate
12.76%
Family Households
63.7%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Alliance is approximately 77.8% White, 12.4% Hispanic, 5.9% Multiracial, 3.2% Native American/Other, 0.4% Asian, and 0.2% Black.
Governance
Government Type
Council-Manager
Governing Body
City Council
School District
Alliance Public Schools
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Utilities · Parks & Recreation · Library
Economy
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
Economic Profile
Regional hub · Agriculture · Industry · Railroad
Employment Sectors
Health Care & Social Assistance · Transportation & Warehousing · Manufacturing
Education
Schools
5
Students
1,355
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
School Districts
Alliance Public Schools
Infrastructure
Transportation
Highways · Rail service · Alliance Municipal Airport
Utilities
Municipal water · Municipal power · Broadband
Major Facilities
Hospital · Airport
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Central Park · Laing Lake Park · Snake Creek Trail
Parks & Trails
Central Park · Laing Lake Park · Snake Creek Trail
History
Founded
1888
Incorporated
1891
Named After
Likely named after Alliance, Ohio, suggested by a railroad engineer.
Historical Significance
Evolved from a railroad town to a center for agriculture, ranching, and industry in western Nebraska.
Key Events
Town founded with the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad · Alliance Army Airfield established in 1942 for WWII training · Box Butte County Courthouse moved to Alliance in 1899