It includes the state capital Lincoln, as well as the cities of Bellevue, Fremont, and Norfolk.

Following the 2010 United States census, the 1st congressional district was changed to include an eastern section of Sarpy County; Dakota County was moved to the 3rd congressional district.

Following the 2020 United States Census, the 1st congressional district was changed to include the eastern section of Sarpy County, the 10 entire counties of Cass, Lancaster, Seward, Butler, Dodge, Colfax, Platte, Cuming, Stanton, Madison, and the northeast quarter of Polk County to include the city of Osceola.

[3] Under the lines of redistricting following the 2010 census, The Cook Partisan Voting Index (CPVI) for the 1st congressional district was R+11.

[4] However, in 2022, the CPVI adjusted the district's rating to R+9, as a result of redistricting.