Kearney, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Kearney, Nebraska is 34,024 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest city in Nebraska. The median household income is $69,790, the median home value is $235,800, and the median age is 32.4.
The population has grown 12.0% since 2010 (31,007 → 34,741).
34,024
Population
2262
People / sq mi
$69,790
Median Income
$235,800
Median Home Value
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Kearney covers 15.0 sq mi of land at 2262 people per square mile.
About Kearney, NE
What sets Kearney apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 4.2% versus 14.0% nationally. Kearney is a city in Nebraska with a population of 34,024. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Nebraska in the country, at #5 by population.
Median household income is $69,790, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $235,800, with typical rent around $922.
Roughly 36.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (4.2%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Kearney city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Kearney city had a population of 31,007 in 2010 and 34,741 in 2024, a 12.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,741 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.82%.
34,741
Population (2024)
31,007
Population (2010)
34,741
Peak (2024)
0.82%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,007 |
| 2011 | 31,474 |
| 2012 | 32,062 |
| 2013 | 32,352 |
| 2014 | 32,597 |
| 2015 | 32,951 |
| 2016 | 33,345 |
| 2017 | 33,586 |
| 2018 | 33,595 |
| 2019 | 33,867 |
| 2020 | 33,882 |
| 2021 | 33,986 |
| 2022 | 34,256 |
| 2023 | 34,364 |
| 2024 | 34,741 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$69,790
Median Household Income
$36,753
Per Capita Income
7.8%
Poverty Rate
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$235,800
Median Home Value
$922
Median Rent
59.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
93.3%
High School+
36.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.3%
Drive Alone
83.3%
Public Transit
4.2%
Work From Home
14.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
23.8%
Foreign Born
89.8%
Non-English at Home
5.8%
Veterans
13.2%
With Disability
92.0%
Health Insurance
95.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.3% |
| Manufacturing | 10.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.6% |
| Construction | 6.3% |
| Retail Trade | 4.2% |
| Information | 4.1% |
| Public Administration | 3.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Kearney, Nebraska has a population of 34,024 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest city in Nebraska.
The median household income in Kearney, Nebraska is $69,790, with 7.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Kearney, Nebraska is $235,800, with median monthly rent at $922 and a homeownership rate of 59.1%.
The median age in Kearney, Nebraska is 32.4 years. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The population has grown 12.0% since 2010 (31,007 → 34,741).
Kearney city, NE Climate
Kearney city, NE has an average annual temperature of 10°C (50°F) and receives about 636 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10°C
Avg Temp
636
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 24° | 10 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 13 mm |
| March | 4° / 38° | 49 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 57 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 105 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 96 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 90 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 76 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 59 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 38 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 29 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 14 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Kearney city, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Kearney city, NE are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.