Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Located in the state of Nebraska, Kearney is a mid-sized city with a population of 33,783 people. At 90%, the majority of the Kearney population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 1% Black. Kearney tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 32 is far below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Kearney will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 14 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Kearney is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Nebraska, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, you can easily compare the best places to live in Kearney and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Kearney to Nebraska and the national average.
Kearney, NE receives 82/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #8 in Nebraska and #831 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Kearney ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Kearney also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Kearney has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (B), crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (B-) and housing (A).
If you're considering living in Kearney, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Kearney provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Museum of Nebraska Art, and Cottonmill Lake.
The Kearney unemployment rate of 2.01% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Kearney apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Kearney is real estate affordability. The median home price for Kearney homes is $188,800, which is 37.5% higher than the Nebraska average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Kearney, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 24% higher than the Nebraska average.
| Statistic | Kearney | Nebraska | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.7% | 81.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.5% | 9.4% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 0.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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