Kearney, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,885
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$103,622/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,406
-1.9% year-over-year change

Kearney population

How many people live in Kearney

Kearney is home to 10,885 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Kearney locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
10,885
1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
5,262
Female
51.7%
5,623
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,262 48.3% 1.6%
Female 5,623 51.7% 1.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Kearney is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
29%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
18.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,022 18.6% 7.4%
15 to 24 1,107 10.2% -11.7%
25 to 44 3,152 29% 8.6%
45 to 64 2,637 24.2% -6.0%
Over 65 1,967 18.1% 6.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Kearney, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,667 98% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 152 1.4% 40.7%
Non-citizens 66 0.6% 13.8%
Racial breakdown
White
94.3%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 10,262 94.3%
Black or African American 12 0.1%
Asian 85 0.8%
Two or more races 415 3.8%
Other 111 1%

Households in Kearney

A peek inside Kearney households

Kearney has 4,316 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.6% are families, while the remaining 33.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,316
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,441
Family households
2,875
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,441 33.4% 15.8%
Family households 2,875 66.6% -4.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Kearney

The housing landscape of Kearney

Kearney's housing consists of 4,406 units, with 80.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,406
-1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,539 80.3%
1 unit, attached 136 3.1%
2 units 182 4.1%
3 or 4 units 210 4.8%
5 to 9 units 170 3.9%
10 to 19 units 11 0.2%
20 to 49 units 108 2.4%
50 or more units 50 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
200
62.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kearney

In Kearney, the median construction year is 2002. About 3.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 24.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 150 3.4% 45.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 95 2.2% 102.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 137 3.1% 44.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 102 2.3% 7.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 283 6.4% 8.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 392 8.9% 2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 827 18.8% -23.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,156 26.2% -0.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,064 24.2% -6.2%
Built in 2020 or later 200 4.5% 62.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Kearney occupancy rates

Out of the 4,316 occupied housing units in Kearney, 74.5% are owner-occupied, while 25.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,316
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,099
Owner occupied
3,217
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,099 25.5% 8.3%
Owner occupied 3,217 74.5% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
2.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Kearney housing costs

Housing costs in Kearney come to a median of $1,375 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,251.

Median housing costs per month
$1,375/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Kearney
$1,251/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Kearney

Kearney education at a glance

About 28.9% of the population in Kearney went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 21.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 97 1.2% 3.2%
High school diploma 2,402 28.9% -11.7%
College diploma 2,115 25.5% 1.2%
Associate degree 816 9.8% 7.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,762 21.2% 7.4%
Graduate degree 1,114 13.4% 19.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Kearney

How much people earn in Kearney

The average annual household income in Kearney was $128,778 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $103,622, reflecting a +1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kearney
$128,778/year
9.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kearney
$103,622/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Kearney income by age

In Kearney, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $111,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $146,134 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,276, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,615 in earnings. Overall, 96.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,276 4.4%
25 - 44 $111,000 6.0%
45 - 64 $146,134 17.8%
Over 65 $62,615 14.8%
Above poverty level
10,307
Below poverty level
360
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,307 96.6% 0.7%
Below poverty level 360 3.4% 16.1%

Average renter income in Kearney

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Kearney, their median household income was $43,973 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,973
Rent-to-income ratio
34.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Kearney

Workforce and job types in Kearney

The job market in Kearney is powered by 5,982 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 65.4% are employed by private companies, and 18.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,982
-1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
4,539
Blue collar
1,443
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,539 75.9% 0.5%
Blue collar 1,443 24.1% -6.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
65.4%
Governmental workers
18.9%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 373 6.2% -4.1%
Private companies 3,909 65.4% -5.2%
Governmental workers 1,130 18.9% 13.4%
Not for profit companies 570 9.5% 3.6%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
78.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kearney stands at 2.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Kearney

How people get around in Kearney

Commuting methods vary: 83% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,934 83% -1.4%
Bicycle 48 0.8% N/A
Walk 56 0.9% 100.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Kearney by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
64060 16,488 6,439 $112,683 $136,750

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FAQs about Kearney demographics 

What is the total population of Kearney?

Kearney has a total population of 10,885 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kearney?

The gender ratio in Kearney is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (5,262 residents)
  • 51.7% females (5,623 residents)

What is the median age in Kearney?

The median age in Kearney is 39.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kearney?

The age distribution in Kearney is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (2,022 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (1,107 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29% (3,152 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (2,637 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.1% (1,967 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kearney?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kearney is as follows:
  • White: 94.3% (10,262 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (85 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.8% (415 residents)
  • Other: 1% (111 residents)

What percentage of the population in Kearney are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Kearney.

How many housing units are there in Kearney?

There are 4,406 housing units in Kearney, reflecting a -1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Kearney and what is the average household size?

Kearney has a total of 4,316 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kearney?

Kearney has a median household income of $103,622, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Kearney?

The employment rate is 97.4% in Kearney, with a workforce of 5,982 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.9% (4,539 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.1% (1,443 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (373 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.4% (3,909 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.9% (1,130 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (570 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025