Is Kearney Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and growing opportunities, making it an appealing location for individuals and families alike. This city provides a balanced lifestyle with access to essential amenities and a community-oriented atmosphere. As you consider a move to Kearney, understanding its various facets, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, will be crucial in making an informed decision.
This comprehensive guide delves into the key aspects of life in Kearney, providing insights into its safety, economic landscape, climate, educational institutions, and demographic makeup. By examining these factors, prospective residents can gain a clearer picture of what Kearney has to offer and whether it aligns with their personal and professional aspirations.
Is it Safe to Live in Kearney?
Kearney’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some data indicating it is lower than the national average while other reports suggest it is higher than many comparable communities. The overall crime rate in Kearney is 9.1% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, NeighborhoodScout reports that Kearney’s crime rate is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America, with a rate of 20 crimes per one thousand residents.
Violent crime in Kearney is reported at a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants, meaning individuals have a 1 in 319 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is more prevalent, with a rate of 17 per one thousand population, resulting in a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of property crime (according to NeighborhoodScout). Kearney ranks in the 41st percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 41% of cities but less safe than 59% (according to CrimeGrade).
Neighborhood Safety
Safety perceptions can vary by neighborhood within Kearney. Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Kearney varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 18 in the central neighborhoods to 1 in 56 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade). The southeast part of the city has the fewest reported crimes annually, with approximately 46 incidents.
Pros and Cons of Living in Kearney
Kearney presents a compelling case for relocation, offering a lower cost of living compared to many other U.S. cities and a robust job market. The city’s median home price, for instance, is $244,600 (according to Data USA), which is significantly lower than the national average. This affordability extends to daily expenses, with living costs being 0% lower than the U.S. national average, according to one report, while another indicates Kearney is 8% less expensive than the national average (according to Salary.com and ERI Economic Research Institute respectively).
However, potential residents should also consider certain drawbacks. While Kearney is generally seen as affordable, some sources suggest it is the 10th out of 11 cities in Nebraska for cost of living, indicating it may be less affordable than other locations within the state (according to Livingcost). Additionally, crime rates, while having some data points suggesting they are lower than the national average, are also reported as being higher than average in other analyses, which could be a concern for some individuals.
Economic Opportunities
The job market in Kearney is diverse and growing, with key industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The economy employs approximately 31,400 people, with Health Care & Social Assistance being the largest sector, followed by Retail Trade and Manufacturing (according to Data USA). The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a major employer, along with CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital and Kearney Regional Medical Center (according to Livability.com).
Housing Market Overview
Kearney’s housing market offers a range of options with prices generally below the national average. The median property value in Kearney was $244,600 in 2024 (according to Data USA). Home prices have seen an increase, with the median home value in Kearney being $309,678, up 6.2% over the past year (according to Zillow). The median listing price is $381.9K, indicating a competitive market (according to Redfin).
Rental Market Insights
For those considering renting, Kearney offers a variety of options with average rents below the national average. The average rent in Kearney is $1,445, compared to the national average of $1,910 (according to Zillow). The rental market shows continued renter demand, with 22 listings available, signaling potential opportunities for investors (according to Redfin).
Climate and Weather
Kearney experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies from 17°F to 88°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 0°F or exceeding 97°F (according to Weather Spark). Summers are warm and mostly clear, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 87°F and a low of 65°F.
Winters are freezing, windy, and partly cloudy, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 17°F and a high of 37°F. The city receives significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with June typically being the wettest month, averaging 3.5 inches of rain. The drier season lasts from September to April, with January experiencing the least amount of rain, averaging 0.1 inches.
Seasonal Considerations
The best times to visit or enjoy outdoor activities in Kearney are generally from May to June and mid-August to October. During these periods, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 18°C to 29°C (according to myPerfectWeather). The city receives an annual precipitation of approximately 26 inches, with June being the wettest month and January the driest.
Education in Kearney
Kearney boasts a solid public education system, with schools generally performing above the state average. Kearney Public Schools has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 and serves approximately 6,064 students (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 73% of students are proficient in math and 69% in reading.
School Performance
The Kearney Public Schools district is ranked among the top 30% of Nebraska public schools, with an average school ranking of 8/10 (according to Niche). Top-performing elementary schools include Meadowlark Elementary School and Windy Hills Elementary School, which consistently rank among the best in the state. Horizon Middle School also demonstrates strong performance (according to SchoolDigger).
Higher Education Opportunities
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a significant institution in the city, contributing to its economy and providing educational opportunities. UNK is a major employer in the region and offers a wide range of programs for students. In 2023, universities in Kearney awarded 1,422 degrees, with General Business Administration & Management being a popular major (according to Data USA).
Demographics and Population
Kearney is a growing city with a diverse population. As of 2026, the estimated population is 35,170, with a current growth rate of 0.62% annually (according to Population.com). The population has increased by 3.8% since the most recent census in 2020, which recorded a population of 33,882.
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Kearney is 32.8 years, with 30.9 years for males and 33.8 years for females (according to Population.com). Approximately 17.4% of the population are children under 15, while 16.2% are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). For every 100 females, there are approximately 98.1 males in the city.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Kearney is predominantly White, with 84.35% identifying as such. Other racial groups include those identifying with other races (5.21%), Asian (2.37%), Black or African American (1.29%), Native American (0.67%), and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (0.22%) (according to Population.com). Additionally, 5.89% of residents identify as belonging to two or more races.
Major Employers and Job Market
Kearney’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers across various sectors. Health care and education are significant industries, with CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney Regional Medical Center, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney being among the largest employers (according to Livability.com). The city is also home to Buckle, a prominent apparel retailer, and Cash-Wa Distributing Co., a major food distributor (according to Livability.com).
Key Industries
The primary industries in Kearney include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing, employing substantial portions of the workforce (according to Data USA). Advanced manufacturing is also a key sector, with companies like Eaton Corporation and Chief Industries operating in the area, producing engine valves, gears, and grain storage products (according to Livability.com).
Job Growth and Opportunities
The region’s economy has shown consistent growth, adding nearly 2,000 jobs between 2010 and 2019, a gain of 9.3% (according to Livability.com). Employment in Kearney grew by 1.39% from 2023 to 2024, indicating a healthy job market (according to Data USA). Opportunities exist for a wide range of skills, from entry-level positions to professional roles in engineering, supply chain management, and skilled trades like welding.
Cost of Living and Affordability
Kearney is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. One report indicates that living costs in Kearney are 0% lower than the U.S. national average, with housing costs being 24.6% lower (according to Salary.com). Another source states that Kearney is 8% less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Housing Costs
Housing is a significant factor in Kearney’s affordability. The median home price was $244,600 in 2024 (according to Data USA), and the median listing price is $381.9K (according to Redfin). While the median home value has increased to $309,678, it remains competitive compared to national figures (according to Zillow).
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, everyday expenses in Kearney are also relatively low. Food costs are described as affordable, and transportation costs are in line with the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). These factors contribute to Kearney being considered one of America’s least expensive cities by some metrics.
Unemployment Rate
Kearney maintains a low unemployment rate, reflecting a stable job market. The current unemployment rate in Kearney, NE, is 2.80%, which is slightly higher than the previous month but consistent with the previous year (according to YCharts). The employment rate in Kearney, NE, is approximately 98.08% (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
Labor Market Stability
The low unemployment rate suggests a stable labor market with ample opportunities for those seeking employment. Major employers in sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing continue to drive demand for workers. The growth in job opportunities indicates a positive outlook for the region’s workforce.
Average Salary and Income
The average salary in Kearney provides a good benchmark for earning potential in the area. As of late April 2026, the average annual salary in Kearney is $54,080, which equates to approximately $26.00 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Other sources place the average salary for jobs in Kearney at $59,256 per year, or $28 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
Income Distribution
Salaries in Kearney typically range between the 25th percentile of $34,324 and the 75th percentile of $72,300 annually (according to ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Kearney is reported as $69,724 (according to Population.com). This income level, combined with the city’s affordability, suggests a comfortable standard of living for many residents.