Kearney
Nebraska

What stands out

Against every county in America, Kearney County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is in the bottom 2% of American counties (1.9%), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and violent crime is in the bottom 6% of American counties (3.0 per 1,000). Within Nebraska it ranks 15th of 93 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Kearney County, Nebraska. 6,655 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +32).

Nebraska stopped taxing Social Security in 2025 and is cutting its top income-tax rate toward 3.99%. Property taxes are among the highest in the country as a share of home value, which is the state's longest-running political fight. Omaha and Lincoln hold most of the population and jobs; the state has the country's only unicameral legislature and publicly owned electric utilities.

Money

The typical household here brings in $74,276 a year, higher than 81% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,822. Unemployment runs 1.9%, lower than 98% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

Nebraska takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,079 a year.

Home

The median home costs $256K, pricier than 58% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $851 a month. Property tax is 1.25% of home value, roughly $2,549 a year on that median home, higher than 75% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 94% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 80.1 years, longer than 92% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 7.5 per 10,000 people. 5.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.29 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 86% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

75% of eligible voters turned out. Under Nebraska law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 53°F, highs near 65 and lows near 40, colder than 64% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 59 out of 100, riskier than 59% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 151 Mbps down, slower than 71% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.