Kearney County, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,713
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,631/yr
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,988
0.1% year-over-year change

Kearney County population

How many people live in Kearney County

Kearney County is home to 6,713 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Kearney County locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
6,713
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
3,365
Female
49.9%
3,348
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,365 50.1% 0.3%
Female 3,348 49.9% 0.2%
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 County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
20.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,332 19.8% -0.6%
15 to 24 748 11.1% -1.4%
25 to 44 1,602 23.9% 1.3%
45 to 64 1,652 24.6% -1.2%
Over 65 1,379 20.5% 2.6%
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 County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,605 98.4% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 83 1.2% -16.2%
Non-citizens 25 0.4% 108.3%
Racial breakdown
White
92.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 6,185 92.1%
Black or African American 1 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 0.2%
Asian 36 0.5%
Two or more races 310 4.6%
Other 165 2.5%

Households in Kearney County

A peek inside Kearney County households

Kearney County has 2,814 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.3% are families, while the remaining 31.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,814
3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
891
Family households
1,923
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 891 31.7% 4.3%
Family households 1,923 68.3% 2.5%
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 County

The housing landscape of Kearney County

Kearney County's housing consists of 2,988 units, with 90.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,988
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,708 90.6%
1 unit, attached 44 1.5%
2 units 34 1.1%
3 or 4 units 13 0.4%
5 to 9 units 39 1.3%
Mobile home 150 5%
Homes built since 2020
34
36.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kearney County

In Kearney County, the median construction year is 1963. About 28.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 858 28.7% 7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 131 4.4% 3.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 398 13.3% -10.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 327 10.9% -5.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 631 21.1% -6.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 139 4.6% 20.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 175 5.9% 0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 158 5.3% -0.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 137 4.6% 13.2%
Built in 2020 or later 34 1.1% 36.0%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,814 occupied housing units in Kearney County, 77.5% are owner-occupied, while 22.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,814
3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
634
Owner occupied
2,180
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 634 22.5% 7.5%
Owner occupied 2,180 77.5% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Kearney County come to a median of $1,055 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $857.

Median housing costs per month
$1,055/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 County
$857/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 County

Kearney County education at a glance

About 27.3% of the population in Kearney County went to high school, while 22.7% pursued college studies. Another 13.6% earned an associate degree and 27.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 167 3.3% 4.4%
High school diploma 1,379 27.3% -3.2%
College diploma 1,145 22.7% 0.5%
Associate degree 685 13.6% 0.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,384 27.4% 3.1%
Graduate degree 290 5.7% 15.1%
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 County

How much people earn in Kearney County

The average annual household income in Kearney County was $109,259 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,631, reflecting a -0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kearney County
$109,259/year
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kearney County
$78,631/year
-0.7% year-over-year change

Kearney County income by age

In Kearney County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,690. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,464 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $62,279, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,020 in earnings. Overall, 92.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $62,279 6.4%
25 - 44 $93,690 -0.7%
45 - 64 $89,464 -2.6%
Over 65 $61,020 3.1%
Above poverty level
6,060
Below poverty level
477
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,060 92.7% 0.0%
Below poverty level 477 7.3% 7.9%

Employment in Kearney County

Workforce and job types in Kearney County

The job market in Kearney County is powered by 3,589 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.8% run their own businesses, 61.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,589
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
2,500
Blue collar
1,089
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,500 69.7% -0.7%
Blue collar 1,089 30.3% 0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
19.8%
Private companies
61.2%
Governmental workers
11.1%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 709 19.8% 10.3%
Private companies 2,198 61.2% 1.4%
Governmental workers 397 11.1% -13.9%
Not for profit companies 285 7.9% -13.1%
Unemployment rate
1.7%
17.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kearney County stands at 1.7%, 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 County

How people get around in Kearney County

In Kearney County, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
-0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,195 89.4% -0.4%
Bus or trolleybus 12 0.3% 9.1%
Motorcycle 7 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 6 0.2% -14.3%
Walk 45 1.3% -26.2%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
68845 20,536 8,561 $76,978 $101,104
68924 1,348 544 $85,000 $108,785
68945 156 59 $64,792 $74,488
68956 1,140 432 $94,231 $116,751
68959 4,048 1,730 $70,167 $89,722
68982 591 251 $66,250 $77,129

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FAQs about Kearney County demographics 

What is the total population of Kearney County?

Kearney County has a total population of 6,713 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kearney County?

The gender ratio in Kearney County is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (3,365 residents)
  • 49.9% females (3,348 residents)

What is the median age in Kearney County?

The median age in Kearney County is 40.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kearney County?

The age distribution in Kearney County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (1,332 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (748 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (1,602 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (1,652 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.5% (1,379 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kearney County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kearney County is as follows:
  • White: 92.1% (6,185 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (36 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (310 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (165 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Kearney County.

How many housing units are there in Kearney County?

There are 2,988 housing units in Kearney County, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Kearney County has a total of 2,814 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kearney County?

Kearney County has a median household income of $78,631, representing a -0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.3% in Kearney County, with a workforce of 3,589 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.7% (2,500 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.3% (1,089 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.8% (709 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.2% (2,198 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.1% (397 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (285 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