CountyScore

Kearney County

Nebraska · NE

#53 in Nebraska
71.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Kearney County, Nebraska

Kearney County beats national average

Kearney County scores 71.1 on the composite index, well above the national median of 50.0 and demonstrating strong overall livability. This 42% advantage reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions.

Right at Nebraska's center

Kearney County's score of 71.1 nearly matches Nebraska's state average of 71.2, positioning it squarely in the middle-to-upper tier statewide. It represents a balanced, representative Nebraska county experience.

Income and health drive value

Kearney County stands out with the highest income score (35.1) among these eight counties, backed by a median household income of $79,167. Health outcomes score 77.9, and the county maintains favorable tax rates at 1.225% effective rate.

Risk exposure requires attention

The county's risk score of 69.1 is notably lower than several peers, suggesting greater exposure to environmental or economic hazards. Cost affordability, while reasonable at 77.9, also trails the very best Nebraska counties in this comparison.

Solid choice for higher earners

Kearney County appeals to professionals and established families seeking better incomes and decent health services in a moderate-cost region. Its balanced profile works well for those who want more earning potential without the urban price tag.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.8Cost77.9SafetyComing SoonHealth77.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.1Risk69.1WaterComing Soon
🏛67.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡69.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kearney County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Autauga County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $69,841
Lawrence County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $60,040
Limestone County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $83,534
Lowndes County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $35,160
North Slope Borough
Alaska
71.1
Median income: $86,313

Deep Dives

Kearney County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kearney County

via TaxByCounty

Kearney County taxes slightly below national average

With an effective tax rate of 1.225%, Kearney County falls just below the national median of 1.281%. Despite this favorable rate, the county's median property tax of $2,675 matches the national median, reflecting higher home values in the area.

Below-average taxes for Nebraska

Kearney County's 1.225% effective rate ranks it in the lower-tax half of Nebraska counties, 5% below the state average of 1.281%. Only about 40 Nebraska counties maintain lower tax rates than Kearney.

Lowest rate in central Nebraska cluster

Kearney County's 1.225% significantly undercuts neighboring Phelps and Harlan counties. This makes Kearney an attractive option for property owners seeking lower tax burdens in central Nebraska.

Median home owner pays $2,675 annually

The median Kearney County home valued at $218,300 generates an annual property tax of $2,675. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners typically remit $3,137 yearly to cover property taxes and related obligations.

Challenge your assessment to lower tax bills

Many homeowners don't realize their properties may be overstated in county assessments, sometimes by thousands of dollars. Kearney County residents can request a free reassessment review if they believe their valuation is inequitable or excessive.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kearney County

via CostByCounty

Kearney County achieves rare affordability balance

Kearney County residents spend just 11.9% of their income on rent—one of the most comfortable affordability ratios in the nation. With a median household income of $79,167, nearly $5,000 above the U.S. average, renters here enjoy substantial breathing room in their budgets.

Nebraska's affordability champion for renters

Kearney County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio sits well below Nebraska's 14.2% state average, making it one of the most affordable counties statewide. This strong position reflects both reasonable rents ($787/month) and above-average incomes that give renters genuine housing security.

Higher income, similar rents set Kearney apart

Kearney County's $787 rent matches adjacent counties but its $79,167 median income significantly outpaces Johnson County ($59,457) and Keith County ($58,132). This income advantage makes Kearney renters the most financially comfortable in the region.

Kearney's housing divides nearly even

Renters pay $787 monthly while homeowners invest $1,081 in mortgages on a median home value of $218,300. Housing consumes about 14% of household income across both tenure types—allowing families to allocate meaningful resources toward savings and other needs.

Kearney County rewards higher earners

If relocating with above-average income, Kearney County offers exceptional affordability with homes valued at $218,300 and strong rental availability at $787/month. You'll find your housing costs consume 12-14% of income—below national and state averages—freeing capital for quality of life investments.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kearney County

via IncomeByCounty

Kearney County Exceeds National Average

Kearney County's median household income of $79,167 tops the national median of $74,755 by $4,412, positioning it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This strong earnings advantage reflects robust local economic activity and workforce quality.

Nebraska's Earnings Leader

At $79,167, Kearney County ranks first among Nebraska's eight profiled counties and significantly outpaces the state average of $66,880 by $12,287. The county's per capita income of $41,967 also leads the state average of $36,101 by nearly $6,000.

Clear Income Advantage Over Peers

Kearney County's $79,167 median household income substantially exceeds its nearest competitor, Lancaster County at $72,625—a $6,542 advantage. The county outearns the regional average by 33%, reflecting stronger agricultural and business sectors.

Strong Earnings Support Higher Home Prices

Kearney County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties, indicating excellent housing affordability. A median home value of $218,300 remains manageable given the county's strong median household income.

Leverage Above-Average Earnings for Growth

Kearney County residents enjoy income advantages that enable aggressive wealth-building through diversified investments, home equity strategies, and retirement savings. Taking full advantage of 401(k) matching and exploring real estate investment opportunities can amplify long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Kearney County

via HealthByCounty

Kearney County leads on longevity

At 79.6 years, Kearney County residents enjoy a life expectancy nearly 3.2 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 15.5% report poor or fair health, suggesting strong overall wellness in this rural Nebraska community.

Nebraska's longevity standout

Kearney County's 79.6-year life expectancy is 2.1 years above Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years, making it one of the state's healthiest counties. Its 6.5% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 8.1% significantly.

Best life expectancy in the region

Kearney County's 79.6-year life expectancy tops regional neighbors like Johnson County (77.9) and Keith County (77.1). Its provider availability is strong, with 30 primary care and 44 mental health providers per 100K—among the best regionally.

Strong coverage, solid provider access

Only 6.5% of Kearney County residents are uninsured, and they have good access to both primary care and mental health providers. These factors work together to support preventive care and early treatment of health issues.

Keep your coverage active

Kearney County has one of Nebraska's best health profiles, but maintaining insurance is essential. Visit healthcare.gov or Nebraska's state marketplace to review your options and stay covered.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kearney County

via RiskByCounty

Kearney County's disaster risk

Kearney County scores 30.95 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating. This places it solidly above the national average but reflects manageable overall exposure to natural hazards.

Moderate risk for Nebraska

Kearney County's composite risk of 30.95 sits slightly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, indicating slightly elevated vulnerability compared to some neighboring counties. Tornado risk particularly contributes to this above-average standing.

Compared to nearby counties

Kearney County faces higher composite risk (30.95) than Johnson County (4.58) and Keith County (13.77), but lower risk than Knox County (29.71) and Lincoln County (48.57). Its profile places it in the mid-range for the region.

Your top natural hazards

Tornado risk dominates Kearney County at 35.78—the county's most significant hazard exposure. Earthquake risk (11.16) and wildfire risk (21.72) present secondary concerns but remain relatively moderate.

Insurance for peace of mind

Tornado coverage should be a priority for Kearney County residents, as the county faces notably higher tornado risk than the national average. Standard homeowners policies typically don't cover tornadoes; consider a separate policy or rider.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.