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
Kearney County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 6,697. It ranks #43 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 40.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Kearney County is $79,167, above the US median of $74,580. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $218,300, with monthly rent averaging $787. The homeownership rate of 78.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kearney County reflects 32.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.5 minutes each way.
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
Metro areas in Nebraska
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.
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Statewide data for Nebraska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nebraska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.