Kearney County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 43rd-largest in Nebraska
The population of Kearney County, Nebraska is 6,697 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 43rd-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $79,167, the median home value is $218,300, and the median age is 40.3.
The population of Kearney County has grown 4.2% since 2010 (6,476 → 6,749), a +0.30% annualized rate.
6,697
Population
+0.30%
Annual growth
13
People / sq mi
$79,167
Median Income
$218,300
Median Home Value
Kearney County covers 516 sq mi of land at 13.0 people per square mile.
About Kearney County, NE
What sets Kearney County apart is money: median household income runs $79,167, near the US median of $78,538. Kearney County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 6,697. It ranks #43 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Median household income is $79,167, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.0%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $218,300, with typical rent around $787.
College attainment is above the local norm at 32.9%, below the national 35.0%. About 7.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Kearney County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Kearney County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kearney County had a population of 6,476 in 2010 and 6,749 in 2024, a 4.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,749 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.30%.
6,749
Population (2024)
6,476
Population (2010)
6,749
Peak (2024)
0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,476 |
| 2011 | 6,548 |
| 2012 | 6,509 |
| 2013 | 6,487 |
| 2014 | 6,590 |
| 2015 | 6,560 |
| 2016 | 6,568 |
| 2017 | 6,528 |
| 2018 | 6,587 |
| 2019 | 6,607 |
| 2020 | 6,692 |
| 2021 | 6,689 |
| 2022 | 6,708 |
| 2023 | 6,727 |
| 2024 | 6,749 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.3
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
20.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.9% · Seniors (65+): 20.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,167+$4,182 vs state |
| Mean household income | $104,859 |
| Per-capita income | $41,967 |
| Poverty rate | 6.0%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kearney County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
81.9%
Public transit
7.7%
Work from home
21.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$218,300$-5,500 vs state
Median home value
$787
Median rent
78.4%
Homeownership rate
2,985
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
21.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.8%
With health insurance
92.3%
With broadband internet
16.2%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
9.0%
With a disability
94.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.0%
High School+
32.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kearney County, Nebraska has a population of 6,697 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 43rd-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 13 people per square mile.
The population of Kearney County has grown 4.2% since 2010 (6,476 → 6,749), a +0.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kearney County, Nebraska is $79,167, with mean (average) household income of $104,859 and per-capita income of $41,967. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kearney County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kearney County, Nebraska is 40.3 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Kearney County is $218,300 and median monthly rent is $787. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,985 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kearney County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Kearney County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Kearney County, NE Climate
Kearney County, NE has an average annual temperature of 10°C (50°F) and receives about 647 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
647
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 11 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 13 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 52 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 58 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 107 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 90 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 95 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 78 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 60 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 39 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 31 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 13 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 County, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Kearney County, 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.
Where to stay near Kearney County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.