Median Income
$102,523
36% higher than US avg
Home Value
$275,200
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
65/100K
83% 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
Ownership76.1%
Zillow$383,566
Housing Units4,228
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
F
Violent65/100K
Property1,015/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault19/100K
Burglary28/100K
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 65 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,015 per 100,000, 48% 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 12.9 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
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.3%
68% below US avg
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
| Median HH Income | $102,523 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,209 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.2% |
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. 76.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). 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 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 Sold | 15 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 17.4% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.9% |
| Housing Units | 4,228 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
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).
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
5.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
9.3
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
193.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Kearney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.8% |
Food & Exercise
Kearney has a violent crime rate of 65 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 18.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 46.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,015 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 894, burglary at 28, vehicle theft at 93 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 Violent | 65.2/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 46.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 18.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,015.3/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| Burglary | 27.9/100K |
| Theft | 894.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 93.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 172 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 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 Average | 53.3°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 268 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 846 ft (258 m) |
| Area | 12.9 sq mi (33.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 802/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3678°N, 94.3622°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
85 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
42 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
531 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 327 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
58 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
52 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Kearney. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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 12.9 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 65 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,015 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. The homeownership rate is 76.1%.
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.
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