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Is Kearney a Good Place to Live? Kearney, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kearney ranks #486 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #88 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.9 min, #7 of 208) and low unemployment (2.5%, #9 of 184), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Kearney by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kearney's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Kearney?
Kearney's cost of living index is 86.3, 14% below the US level of 100 and #71 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $949/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $318,222, 13% above the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | Kearney | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 86.3#71 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $318,222#428 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,643/mo#451 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $244,600#378 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $949/mo#153 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.3%#116 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Kearney housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Kearney is in the Kearney, NE metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is Kearney safe?
Kearney recorded 229 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 5% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #412 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #75 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kearney Police Department. Property crime runs 1,221 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kearney | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 229#412 of 1,085 | 218 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,221#317 of 1,085 | 1,379 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Kearney?
The median household in Kearney earns $69,724, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 2.5% (US 4.3%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kearney | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $69,724#821 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.5%#27 of 1,058 | 3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12.4%#679 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kearney?
The median resident of Kearney is 32.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 36.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #567 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kearney | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 32.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 36.5%#567 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 60.6% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kearney's schools and health?
Kearney's 14 public schools graduate 86.6% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $11,473 spent per pupil. 37.4% of adults are obese and 8.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Kearney | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86.6%#630 of 1,063 | 87.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,473#1024 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.4%#971 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.9%#197 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.7%#363 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,992 students are enrolled in Kearney's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kearney?
The average commute in Kearney is 13.9 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0.3% of workers take transit and 4.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kearney scores 9.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.6°F and winters 26.8°F, with 25.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kearney | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 13.9 min#40 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.7%#328 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 80.8% | 75.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 4.5% | 9.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.2#791 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35.9 | 13.8 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 39.7 | 16.5 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 51.4 | 25.2 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 61.6 | 35.6 | 2.7 |
| May | 71.5 | 47.4 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 82.3 | 58.5 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 86.6 | 63 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 84.4 | 60.9 | 3 |
| Sep | 77.9 | 51.1 | 1.8 |
| Oct | 64.9 | 37.8 | 2.1 |
| Nov | 50.5 | 25.3 | 1 |
| Dec | 38.2 | 16.6 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kearney 4 Ne.
| Measure | Kearney | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 49.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 72.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 26.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 25.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kearney 4 Ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kearney?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Kearney's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Buffalo County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Kearney | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.22%#992 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Buffalo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Buffalo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.05% | 99% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.018% | 97% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.028% | 97% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0051% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.003% | 72% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.086% | 56% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Kearney compare with similar-size cities?
Kearney is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #88 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 34,246.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #486 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 | 13.9 min |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #252 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 | 21.5 min |
| Lewiston, IDPop. 34,651 | #485 | 58.3 | $72,197 | $1,027/mo | 175 | 15.3 min |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #749 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 | 20.8 min |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #1220 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 | 18.9 min |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #207 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 | 30.6 min |
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #22 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 | 20.9 min |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #513 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 | 13.7 min |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #1204 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 | 22.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Kearney compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Kearney ranks #7 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 58.3 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 9% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 5% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Nebraska home.
| City | Rank in NE | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papillion, NEPop. 25,244 | #1 | 68.8 | $111,679 | $1,269/mo | 48 |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #2 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #3 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 |
| La Vista, NEPop. 16,563 | #4 | 60.4 | $81,961 | $1,317/mo | 67 |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #5 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #6 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #7 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #8 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #9 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #10 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 |
| Hastings, NEPop. 25,008 | #11 | 56.7 | $64,048 | $858/mo | 239 |
| Chalco, NEPop. 10,595 | #12 | 56.4 | $85,672 | $1,195/mo | no data |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #13 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 |
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #14 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #15 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #16 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #17 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #18 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #19 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 |
| Scottsbluff, NEPop. 14,376 | #20 | 45.7 | $56,359 | $966/mo | 672 |
All 20 Nebraska cities we track, by overall score. Nebraska statewide: median income $76,376, violent crime 218.4 per 100,000.
How is Kearney's score calculated?
Kearney scores 58.3 out of 100, #486 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Nebraska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kearney. Similar-size median 52.9.
59.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kearney's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
83.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kearney. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kearney's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
52.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kearney's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
83.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kearney. Similar-size median 46.7.
47.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kearney. Similar-size median 44.2.
47.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kearney. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kearney's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
22.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kearney's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kearney has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Kearney
Is Kearney, NE a good place to live?
Kearney ranks #486 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #88 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.9 min, #7 of 208) and low unemployment (2.5%, #9 of 184), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Kearney?
Kearney's cost of living index is 86.3, 14% below the US level of 100 and #71 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $949/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $318,222, 13% above the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in Kearney?
Kearney recorded 229 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 5% above Nebraska's 218. That ranks #412 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #75 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kearney Police Department. Property crime runs 1,221 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kearney?
The median household in Kearney earns $69,724, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Nebraska ($76,376). Unemployment is 2.5% (US 4.3%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kearney?
Median rent in Kearney is $949/mo (Census), #153 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,643/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kearney?
The typical home value in Kearney is $318,222, up 6.2% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $244,600.
How are the public schools in Kearney?
Kearney's 14 public schools graduate 86.6% of students in four years (Nebraska 87.1%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $11,473 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kearney?
The average commute is 13.9 minutes, #40 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 3.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kearney?
Kearney averages 49.8°F over the year, 72.6°F in summer and 26.8°F in winter, with 25.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kearney walkable?
Kearney scores 9.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Kearney at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Buffalo County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
Who lives in Kearney?
Kearney has 34,246 residents. The median resident of Kearney is 32.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 36.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #567 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kearney compare with the rest of Nebraska?
Kearney ranks #7 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 58.3 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 9% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 5% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to Kearney?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kearney's population of 34,246 are University City, MO (#252 overall), Lewiston, ID (#485 overall), McMinnville, OR (#749 overall), Meridian, MS (#1220 overall), and Alabaster, AL (#207 overall). Kearney is #486.