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Cost of Living in Kearney, NE

Population 34,246 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$949
Median home value$244,600
Median household income$69,724

The median rent in Kearney, NE is $949/month, 11% lower than the Nebraska median and 33% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $244,600, 26% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $69,724 a year, 9% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 16.3%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $37,960/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 3.5×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,237/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Kearney vs. Nebraska vs. U.S.

KearneyNebraskaU.S.
Median rent$949$1,072$1,413
Median home value$244,600$238,600$332,700
Median household income$69,724$76,475$80,734
Homeownership rate60.6%66.5%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher36.5%34.6%35.7%
Poverty rate12.4%10.6%12.5%
Unemployment rate2.9%3.0%5.2%
Work from home4.5%11.0%15.1%
Median age32.837.238.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Kearney, NE?

The median gross rent in Kearney, NE is $949 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Kearney, NE?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $37,960 a year in gross income.

Is Kearney, NE expensive to live in?

Rent there is 33% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.5 times the median household income.

Other cities in Nebraska

Omaha, NERent $1,187 · Income $73,201Lincoln, NERent $1,086 · Income $71,867Bellevue, NERent $1,226 · Income $85,462Grand Island, NERent $947 · Income $63,795Fremont, NERent $1,080 · Income $71,152Norfolk, NERent $875 · Income $58,884

Cities with a similar cost of living

Watertown, SDRent $942 · Income $69,600Austin, MNRent $953 · Income $68,057Cedar Rapids, IARent $967 · Income $70,424Rock Springs, WYRent $928 · Income $69,168Sioux City, IARent $976 · Income $68,906Fargo, NDRent $946 · Income $66,998

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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