Kearney, NE
Population 34,024 · Nebraska
About Kearney, NE
Kearney is a mid-sized city located in Nebraska with a population of 34,024 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,790 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kearney features a median home value of $235,800, which is 4% below 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 $922, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,652 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (8,104 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (5,619 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kearney shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kearney have an average one-way commute time of 14.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.9% 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 8.5% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kearney Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Kearney, NE
Compared to national averages, Kearney has a median household income of $69,790 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $235,800, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $922 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Kearney's income is 6% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 87% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Kearney, NE?
Kearney offers affordable housing with a median home value of $235,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $922/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 14.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,790) that falls below the national average. However, Kearney’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kearney has a population of 34,024 with a median age of 32.4 years. Compare Kearney with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Kearney
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fremont | 27,321 | $67,179 | $194,400 | Compare |
| Norfolk | 25,962 | $62,175 | $199,100 | Compare |
| Hastings | 25,005 | $61,202 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Columbus | 24,188 | $67,212 | $198,900 | Compare |
| Papillion | 24,063 | $109,602 | $290,900 | Compare |
| North Platte | 23,030 | $57,805 | $159,500 | Compare |
| La Vista | 16,594 | $78,145 | $244,900 | Compare |
| Grand Island | 52,761 | $62,439 | $202,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nebraska
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, NE?
The population of Kearney, NE is 34,024 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Kearney?
The median household income in Kearney, NE is $69,790 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kearney?
The median home value in Kearney, NE is $235,800, which is 4% below 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, NE is $922, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kearney?
The unemployment rate in Kearney, NE is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kearney, NE a good place to live?
Kearney offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 34,024 and a median age of 32.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kearney, NE?
36.9% 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, NE: median home value is $235,800 (4% below national), median rent is $922/month, and median household income is $69,790. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kearney?
The poverty rate in Kearney, NE is 13.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Kearney, NE?
Kearney's population is 8.5% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.