Kearney, MO
Population 10,696 · Missouri
About Kearney, MO
Kearney is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 10,696 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $102,523 per year, which is 36% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kearney features a median home value of $275,200, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kearney in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,000, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,489 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (3,238 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (1,015 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kearney shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kearney have an average one-way commute time of 26.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.0% of Kearney residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kearney, MO
Compared to national averages, Kearney has a median household income of $102,523 (36% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $275,200, which is 12% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,000 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Kearney's income is 68% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 83% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Kearney, MO?
Kearney offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $102,523, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,000/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 34.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.3%, better than the national average.
Kearney has a population of 10,696 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Kearney with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Kearney
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellefontaine Neighbors | 10,562 | $48,354 | $92,500 | Compare |
| Maryville | 10,556 | $48,099 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Smithville | 10,552 | $99,925 | $272,500 | Compare |
| Excelsior Springs | 10,502 | $74,056 | $174,000 | Compare |
| Bolivar | 10,996 | $44,603 | $188,700 | Compare |
| Kennett | 10,236 | $53,164 | $103,600 | Compare |
| Bridgeton | 11,372 | $73,320 | $234,100 | Compare |
| Harrisonville | 10,002 | $60,727 | $190,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Kearney With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kearney
What is the population of Kearney, MO?
The population of Kearney, MO is 10,696 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Kearney?
The median household income in Kearney, MO is $102,523 per year, which is 36% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kearney?
The median home value in Kearney, MO is $275,200, which is 12% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kearney?
The median monthly rent in Kearney, MO is $1,000, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kearney?
The unemployment rate in Kearney, MO is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kearney, MO a good place to live?
Kearney offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,696 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kearney, MO?
34.0% of residents in Kearney aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Kearney?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kearney, MO: median home value is $275,200 (12% above national), median rent is $1,000/month, and median household income is $102,523. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kearney?
The poverty rate in Kearney, MO is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kearney, MO?
Kearney's population is 1.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.