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Kearney, MO

Missouri

Kearney is a small city in Missouri with a population of 10,696. Residents earn $102,523 per year, which is 36% above the national average.

3.7 /5.0
B+ Good
10,696 Population 802/sq mi density
$102,523 Median Income $47,209 per capita
$275,200 Home Value $383,566 Zillow
$1,000 Median Rent 28.9% income on rent
53°F Avg Temperature 268 sunny days/yr
120 Violent Crime/100K 1,219 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.7 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
5.0 / 5.0
$102,523 median income, 1.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$275,200 home value, $1,000/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
120 violent crimes/100K (69% below avg)
B+
Education
3.7 / 5.0
34.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $102,523
36% higher than US avg
Home Value $275,200
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 120/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 34.0%
1% higher than US avg
Median Rent $1,000
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 2.6%
79% lower than US avg

How Kearney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population10,696
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density802/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.2%

Economy

A+
Median Income$102,523
Per Capita$47,209
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty2.6%
Commute26 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$275,200
Rent$1,000
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$383,566
Housing Units4,228
Rent Burden28.9%

Crime

F
Violent120/100K
Property1,219/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault54/100K
Burglary174/100K

Health

Obesity35.1%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking13.3%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease4.8%

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days268/yr
Elevation846 ft (258 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+34.0%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+12.3%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations3

Is Kearney a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Kearney receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Kearney offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Kearney is $102,523, which is significantly higher than the national average — 36% above $75,149. This places Kearney among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Kearney is $275,200, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Kearney is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,219 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 34.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Kearney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 268 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Kearney has a population of 10,696 with a density of 802 people per square mile, spread across 13.3 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.7% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 8.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.

Population

10,696
Total Population
802
People / sq mi
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
13.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.4%
Female 51.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Kearney vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish4.3%
68% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Kearney vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Kearney is $102,523, which is 36% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,209 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 15.2% of workers work from home.

Income: Kearney vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$102,523
36% above US avg
Per Capita Income$47,209

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.0%
72% below US avg
Poverty Rate2.6%
79% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.2 min
Drive Alone79.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home15.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Kearney is $275,200, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $383,566, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,000 (14% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 4,228 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$275,200
2% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$383,566
Median List Price$385,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$385,000
$/Sq Ft$177
Homes Sold15
Sale-to-List Ratio0.0%
Price Drops17.4%

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,000
14% below US avg
Rent Burden28.9%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied76.1%
Housing Units4,228
Median Year Built2001

Property Tax

In Kearney, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Kearney vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity35.1%
9% above US avg
Diabetes8.5%
Heart Disease4.8%
High Blood Pressure30.3%
Asthma10.4%
COPD5.5%
Cancer7.6%
Stroke2.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking13.3%
5% below US avg
Binge Drinking17.9%
Physical Inactivity21.4%
Depression24.8%
Mental Distress17.1%
Physical Distress11.5%
Short Sleep33.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate96.7%
Uninsured6.6%
23% below US avg
Checkup Rate75.5%
Dental Visits64.8%

Food & Exercise

Kearney has a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 54.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 65.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,219 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 936, burglary at 174, vehicle theft at 109 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Kearney receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Kearney vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent119.7/100K
69% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape65.3/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault54.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property1,218.6/100K
38% below US avg
Burglary174.1/100K
Theft935.7/100K
Vehicle Theft108.8/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Kearney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 268 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 4.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 846 feet.

Temperature

26°F Jan (-3°C) 78°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average53.3°F
1% below US avg
January Average26°F (-3°C)
July Average78°F (25°C)
Sunny Days268 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall37.7 inches
1% below US avg
Snowfall4.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation846 ft (258 m)
Area13.3 sq mi (34.5 km²)
Population Density802/sq mi
Coordinates39.3678°N, 94.3622°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 26°F (-3°C) 1.2 in Coldest, Driest
February 32°F (0°C) 1.2 in
March 43°F (6°C) 2.5 in
April 54°F (12°C) 3.4 in
May 63°F (17°C) 4.9 in Wettest
June 73°F (23°C) 4.6 in
July 78°F (25°C) 4.1 in Warmest
August 76°F (24°C) 3.8 in
September 67°F (20°C) 4.9 in
October 56°F (13°C) 3.3 in
November 42°F (5°C) 2.3 in
December 31°F (-0°C) 1.6 in

Kearney has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F — from 26°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.2").

34.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 1% above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 12.3% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 90.0% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 3 EV charging stations. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+34.0%
1% above US avg
High School+96.8%
Graduate Degree+12.3%
School Test Score5.51
B+ Education Grade (3.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density802/sq mi
Total Area13.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access90.0%
EV Charging Stations3
Alt Fuel Stations7

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.2 min
Drive Alone79.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home15.2%

Frequently Asked Questions About Kearney

What is the population of Kearney?

Kearney has a population of 10,696 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 802 people per square mile, spread across 13.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.

Is Kearney expensive to live in?

Kearney is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $102,523, 36% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $275,200 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Kearney safe?

Kearney is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,219 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kearney receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Kearney?

Kearney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 268 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 4.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Kearney?

The job market in Kearney is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 15.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Kearney?

The median home value in Kearney is $275,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $383,566. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,000. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Kearney?

Schools in Kearney score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.0% of adults in Kearney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 12.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Kearney?

The obesity rate in Kearney is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate).

What is transportation like in Kearney?

The average commute in Kearney is 26 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Kearney?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kearney is 95.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.3% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 8.7% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Excelsior Springs, MO 10,502 pop · 7.5 mi Liberty, MO 30,446 pop · 8.9 mi Lawson, MO 2,742 pop · 9.7 mi Smithville, MO 10,552 pop · 11.8 mi Pleasant Valley, MO 2,744 pop · 12.5 mi Lathrop, MO 2,646 pop · 12.6 mi Claycomo, MO 1,994 pop · 13.4 mi Plattsburg, MO 2,437 pop · 14.4 mi Gladstone, MO 27,069 pop · 15.3 mi Lake Waukomis, MO 1,085 pop · 17.5 mi Sugar Creek, MO 3,261 pop · 18.4 mi Buckner, MO 2,917 pop · 18.5 mi Riverside, MO 4,153 pop · 18.8 mi Independence, MO 121,944 pop · 19.3 mi
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