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Elkhorn, Nebraska
Elkhorn is a western neighborhood of Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County, and a former independent city in its own right. The area was founded in 1865 and platted in 1867, and takes its name from the nearby Elkhorn River.
History
Elkhorn was first incorporated as a city in 1872, later became unchartered amid financial difficulties, and was re-incorporated on December 30, 1886. It grew into a stable small city on Omaha’s western edge, reaching a population of 6,062 at the 2000 census and an estimated 8,192 by 2005. When Omaha moved to annex Elkhorn, the city attempted to block the annexation by rapidly annexing surrounding subdivisions of its own, aiming to exceed the 10,000-resident threshold that limited Omaha’s annexation power under Nebraska law — an effort that ultimately failed. The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled in Omaha’s favor on January 12, 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Elkhorn’s appeal on February 22, 2007, and Elkhorn held its final city council meeting on February 27, 2007, before formally ceasing to exist as an independent municipality on March 1, 2007. Today the Elkhorn Public Schools district, which serves the area, operates 14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools — Elkhorn, Elkhorn North, and Elkhorn South. On April 26, 2024, the area was struck by an EF4 tornado that caused extensive damage to hundreds of homes and businesses.
Location & Geography
Elkhorn sits along the Elkhorn River in western Douglas County, now within Omaha’s city limits.
Today
Elkhorn remains a distinct, fast-growing community within Omaha, still widely known by its own name despite losing its independent city status in 2007. Visitors and residents can browse local businesses and services through the categories below or the full Douglas County directory.
Elkhorn, Nebraska
Neighborhood within Omaha, Douglas County; formerly an independent city. Founded 1865, incorporated 1872 (re-incorporated 1886). Annexed by Omaha in 2007 after a legal fight that went to the U.S. Supreme Court. Population was 6,062 (2000 census) before annexation.
Designation: Neighborhood / Former City