Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kearney, NE
Considering a move to Kearney, NE? This vibrant city of 34,300 offers affordable living with median home prices around $230,000 and low average rents. Residents enjoy a short 15.5-minute average commute, highly rated schools, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Kearney boasts a strong educational presence with the University of Nebraska at Kearney, low unemployment, and plenty of sunny days—making it a great place to call home in central Nebraska.
Demographics - Kearney, NE
Demographics - Kearney, NE
Kearney is home to about 34,300 residents, with a median age of 30.4, reflecting a youthful and dynamic community. The city is predominantly White with a growing mix of other backgrounds, and around 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate density creates a friendly, small-city atmosphere ideal for families and newcomers.
Population:
34,300
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.4
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
1.7%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
6.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kearney, NE?
Kearney offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $230,000 and average monthly rent at $920. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses manageable for most residents. Utility and transportation costs are also reasonable, helping families and individuals stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$230,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,390
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
2.46%
|
High:
6.84%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
72.5
Utilities:
92.2
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
91.3
Miscellaneous:
94.8
Crime
Is Kearney, NE a safe place to live?
Kearney maintains a relatively low crime rate, with just 233 violent crimes and 2,160 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 429, making it a generally safe city for families and individuals. Most residents feel secure in their neighborhoods and enjoy peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
233
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,160
Crime Index:
2,393
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 429
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Kearney, NE year-round?
Residents in Kearney experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters dipping to 13°F and warm summers reaching up to 89°F. The city enjoys about 65% sunny days and receives an average of 26 inches of rainfall yearly. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Kearney’s households typically earn around $61,600, with a low unemployment rate of 2.3% and a poverty rate of 13.6%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 95% holding at least a high school diploma and over a third earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Residents benefit from short average commutes and a friendly, close-knit environment.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$61,600
Family Income:
$81,200
Per Capita Income:
$30,200
Income Male:
$40,200
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
13.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
2.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
15.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.8%
Bachelors or More:
36.3%
Education
How are the schools in Kearney, NE?
Kearney is known for strong educational opportunities, with well-regarded public and private schools and a student-friendly environment. The University of Nebraska at Kearney contributes to the city’s vibrant academic atmosphere and offers diverse programs to over 6,000 students. Families appreciate the quality of local schools and the focus on student achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Kearney High School
Street:
2702 W 11th St
Phone:
308-698-8060
Students:
1,520
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Horizon Middle School
Street:
915 W 35th St
Phone:
308-698-8120
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Kearney Catholic High School
Street:
110 E 35th St
Phone:
308-234-2610
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
University of Nebraska at Kearney
City:
Kearney
State:
NE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,275
Healthcare
Kearney provides quality healthcare with two major hospitals offering comprehensive services and emergency care. The city has a high rate of health insurance coverage at over 92%, and there are 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. This ensures convenient and accessible medical services for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CHI Health Good Samaritan
Address:
10 E 31st St, Kearney, NE 68847
Phone:
(308) 865-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kearney Regional Medical Center
Address:
804 22nd Ave, Kearney, NE 68845
Phone:
(308) 455-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kearney, NE?
The local housing market is stable and affordable, featuring a median home price of $230,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $920. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Home values have appreciated steadily in recent years, making Kearney a solid choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$920
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Kearney residents are served by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, which provides comprehensive licensing and vehicle services. The main office is located in Lincoln, but services can be accessed online or at local branches. Residents benefit from user-friendly resources and state-wide support.
State:
Nebraska
Department:
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone:
1-402-471-3985
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.