Kearney, NE, US
Central Nebraska hub with the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the Great Platte River Road Archway.
Overview
Kearney is a city in NE with a population of 34,000. Central Nebraska hub with the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the Great Platte River Road Archway. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. The population skews young, with a median age of 32.4.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Kearney vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.8%
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Population: 34,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 220/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 18°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: $220,000
- 1BR Rent: $950/mo
Cost of Living
Kearney's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).
| Category | Kearney | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $220,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $950/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,188/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $146 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kearney:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $82 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $73 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $2 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $292 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Kearney scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Kearney has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F | 18°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 33°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 36°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Kearney faces the following natural hazards:
Core of Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
River flooding (Missouri, Platte).
Severe winter storms.
Extreme summer heat.
Frequent drought conditions.
Wildfire risk in grassland areas.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.8%
- Sales Tax: 7%
- Property Tax: ~1.73% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Kearney is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE, US?
The cost of living index in Kearney is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Kearney?
The median home price in Kearney is $220,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kearney is approximately $950/mo.
Does Kearney, NE have income tax?
Kearney is in NE, which has an income tax rate of 5.8%.
What is the climate like in Kearney?
Kearney enjoys approximately 220 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.