Kearney, Nebraska | |
|---|---|
 TheGreat Platte River Road Archway Monument, which spansInterstate 80 | |
 Flag | |
| Motto: "Heart of Nebraska" | |
 Location of Kearney within Nebraska and Buffalo County | |
  Kearney, Nebraska Location within theUnited States | |
| Coordinates:40°42′06″N99°04′57″W / 40.70167°N 99.08250°W /40.70167; -99.08250 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Buffalo |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager[1] |
| • Mayor | Jonathan Nikkila |
| Area | |
• Total | 15.15 sq mi (39.25 km2) |
| • Land | 14.88 sq mi (38.53 km2) |
| • Water | 0.28 sq mi (0.72 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,152 ft (656 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 33,790 |
| • Density | 2,271.3/sq mi (876.95/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes | 68845, 68847, 68848(P.O. Box), 68849UNK |
| Area code | 308 |
| FIPS code | 31-25055 |
| GNIS feature ID | 838076[3] |
| Website | www |
Kearney (/ˈkɑːrni/KAR-nee)[4] is a city and thecounty seat ofBuffalo County, Nebraska, United States.[5] The population was 33,790 in the2020 census, making it the5th most populous city inNebraska.[6] It is home to theUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney. The westward push of the railroad as theCivil War ended gave new birth to the community.[7]
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In the late 1840s, American settlers traveling westward arrived in significant numbers along theMormon Trail andOverland Trails. This marked the beginning of Kearney's role as a crossroads on major east-west transportation arteries. In 1848, to safeguard westward migrants traveling through the region, theUS Army established a military fort several miles southeast of the present city. Named after famed frontier military officerStephen W. Kearny, Fort Kearny would become the namesake of the present city and serve as a stopping-point for gold prospectors,Pony Express riders, andUnion Pacific Railroad workers until 1871.[8]
The first permanent settlement in the area was called Dobytown, located 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of the present-day Kearney. The "e" in Kearney was added by mistake sometime afterwards by postmen who consistently misspelled the town name; eventually the spelling becamenomenclature.[9][10]The region expanded in 1866 with the arrival of theUnion Pacific Railroad. The fixing of a junction point with the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad in 1871 anticipated the establishment of a townsite in the summer of that year. The city of Kearney was incorporated on December 3, 1873, the townsite being fixed a mille north of thePlatte River. In 1874, Kearney was chosen to be the seat ofBuffalo County, experiencing great population, economic, and infrastructural expansion in subsequent years that transformed the nascent city into the local business, education, and transportation center it remains to this day. This boom would be sustained through the next twenty-years, fueled by a post-Civil War period of frenzied economic expansion and wealth generation (Gilded Age) that was transforming the whole nation. Enterprising investors poured into the burgeoning community from the East and elsewhere, hoping to enrich themselves through ambitious speculative development schemes that, more often than not, turned out to be ill-conceived and economically unsustainable. An irrigation canal, electric street railway, and a five-storyopera house were some of the projects to ultimately make it off the drawing board. These flush times would grind to a sudden halt as a result of the agricultural depression and economic crisis of the early1890s.[11]
In 1912, the Catholicdiocese of Kearney was centered here. The diocese was suppressed in 1917, with the creation of thediocese of Grand Island.[12][13] In 1997, the historical diocese of Kearney began to be used as atitular see by the Catholic Church.[14]
Kearney is located onI-80 with access to the major markets ofOmaha-Lincoln,Denver,Kansas City,Des Moines,Wichita andCheyenne, Kearney is at the center of a seven-state region and 20 million people.[15]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.00 square miles (33.67 km2), of which 12.77 square miles (33.07 km2) is land and 0.23 square miles (0.60 km2) is water.[16]
| Climate data for Kearney 4 NE, Nebraska (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1901–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 77 (25) | 79 (26) | 94 (34) | 100 (38) | 103 (39) | 108 (42) | 114 (46) | 111 (44) | 108 (42) | 95 (35) | 83 (28) | 77 (25) | 114 (46) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 59.6 (15.3) | 65.4 (18.6) | 77.4 (25.2) | 85.1 (29.5) | 90.8 (32.7) | 95.8 (35.4) | 98.5 (36.9) | 96.0 (35.6) | 93.1 (33.9) | 86.8 (30.4) | 74.0 (23.3) | 61.1 (16.2) | 99.3 (37.4) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 35.9 (2.2) | 39.7 (4.3) | 51.4 (10.8) | 61.6 (16.4) | 71.5 (21.9) | 82.3 (27.9) | 86.6 (30.3) | 84.4 (29.1) | 77.9 (25.5) | 64.9 (18.3) | 50.5 (10.3) | 38.2 (3.4) | 62.1 (16.7) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 24.8 (−4.0) | 28.1 (−2.2) | 38.3 (3.5) | 48.6 (9.2) | 59.5 (15.3) | 70.4 (21.3) | 74.8 (23.8) | 72.6 (22.6) | 64.5 (18.1) | 51.3 (10.7) | 37.9 (3.3) | 27.4 (−2.6) | 49.8 (9.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 13.8 (−10.1) | 16.5 (−8.6) | 25.2 (−3.8) | 35.6 (2.0) | 47.4 (8.6) | 58.5 (14.7) | 63.0 (17.2) | 60.9 (16.1) | 51.1 (10.6) | 37.8 (3.2) | 25.3 (−3.7) | 16.6 (−8.6) | 37.6 (3.1) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −7.1 (−21.7) | −3.0 (−19.4) | 6.5 (−14.2) | 21.1 (−6.1) | 33.0 (0.6) | 46.2 (7.9) | 52.8 (11.6) | 50.1 (10.1) | 36.6 (2.6) | 21.3 (−5.9) | 8.7 (−12.9) | −2.2 (−19.0) | −11.6 (−24.2) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −28 (−33) | −28 (−33) | −21 (−29) | 0 (−18) | 19 (−7) | 35 (2) | 42 (6) | 37 (3) | 19 (−7) | 6 (−14) | −13 (−25) | −30 (−34) | −30 (−34) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 0.51 (13) | 0.59 (15) | 1.46 (37) | 2.68 (68) | 4.40 (112) | 3.90 (99) | 3.36 (85) | 3.01 (76) | 1.84 (47) | 2.13 (54) | 1.00 (25) | 0.68 (17) | 25.56 (649) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 3.7 (9.4) | 5.6 (14) | 3.5 (8.9) | 1.9 (4.8) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.8 (2.0) | 2.8 (7.1) | 3.4 (8.6) | 21.8 (55) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.9 | 8.5 | 11.7 | 9.6 | 8.8 | 8.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 82.0 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 2.7 | 3.4 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 13.0 |
| Source:NOAA[17][18] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 1,782 | — | |
| 1890 | 8,074 | 353.1% | |
| 1900 | 5,634 | −30.2% | |
| 1910 | 6,202 | 10.1% | |
| 1920 | 7,702 | 24.2% | |
| 1930 | 8,575 | 11.3% | |
| 1940 | 9,643 | 12.5% | |
| 1950 | 12,115 | 25.6% | |
| 1960 | 14,210 | 17.3% | |
| 1970 | 19,181 | 35.0% | |
| 1980 | 21,158 | 10.3% | |
| 1990 | 24,396 | 15.3% | |
| 2000 | 27,431 | 12.4% | |
| 2010 | 30,787 | 12.2% | |
| 2020 | 33,790 | 9.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[19] 2018 Estimate[20] | |||
Kearney is the principal city of the Kearney, NebraskaMicropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Buffalo andKearney counties.
The2020 United States census[21] counted 33,867 people, 13,361 households, and 7,772 families in Kearney. The population density was 2,270.8 per square mile (877.0/km2). There were 14,370 housing units at an average density of 965.7 per square mile (373.0/km2). The racial makeup was 85.04% (28,734)white, 1.63% (551)black or African-American, 0.58% (196)Native American, 1.88% (634)Asian, 0.09% (30)Pacific Islander, 4.63% (1,563) fromother races, and 6.16% (2,082) from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race was 9.0% (3,200) of the population.
Of the 13,361 households, 26.6% had children under the age of 18; 44.2% were married couples living together; 29.2% had a female householder with no husband present. 32.3% of households consisted of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 2.9.
20.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 19.4% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 94.1 males.
The 2016-2020 5-yearAmerican Community Survey[22] estimates show that the median household income was $60,755 (with a margin of error of +/- $4,444) and the median family income $85,444 (+/- $4,564). Males had a median income of $36,227 (+/- $3,446) versus $23,904 (+/- $2,231) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $29,317 (+/- $3,191). Approximately, 7.5% of families and 14.7% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 13.6% of those under the age of 18 and 10.1% of those ages 65 or over.
As of thecensus[23] of 2010, there were 30,787 people, 12,201 households, and 7,015 families residing in the city. Thepopulation density was 2,410.9 inhabitants per square mile (930.9/km2). There were 12,738 housing units at an average density of 997.5 per square mile (385.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.3%White, 1.0%African American, 0.3%Native American, 1.8%Asian, 3.1% fromother races, and 1.4% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 7.3% of the population.
There were 12,201 households, of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% weremarried couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.5% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.96 .
The median age in the city was 29 years. 22.2% of residents were under age 18; 20.5% were between ages 18 and 24; 25.6% were aged 25 to 44; 20.6% were aged 45 to 64; and 11.1% were aged 65 years or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
As of thecensus of 2000, there were 29,952 people, 10,549 households, and 6,160 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,498.5 inhabitants per square mile (964.7/km2). There were 11,099 housing units at an average density of 1,010.9 per square mile (390.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.18%White, 0.63%African American, 0.38%Native American, 0.92%Asian, 0.04%Pacific Islander, 1.68% fromother races, and 1.17% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 4.08% of the population.
There were 10,549 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.7% weremarried couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.6% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.96 .
In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under age 18, 23.9% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,829, and the median income for a family was $46,650. Males had a median income of $30,150 versus $22,366 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $17,713. About 7.4% of families and 13.4% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.
Companies headquartered in Kearney includeCitizens Telecommunications Company of Nebraska andThe Buckle.
According to Buffalo County Economic Development,[24] the top non-manufacturing employers in the city are:
| # | Employer | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good Samaritan Hospital | 1,000+ |
| 2 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | 1,000+ |
| 3 | Kearney Public Schools | 750-1,000 |
| 4 | Buckle (clothing retailer) | 750–1,000 |
| 5 | Kearney Regional Medical Center | 500–750 |
| 6 | HyVee | 500–750 |
| 7 | Cash-Wa | 500-750 |
| 8 | Walmart | 250–500 |
| 9 | Cabela's | 250–500 |
The top manufacturing employers are:
| # | Employer | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baldwin Filters | 1,000+ |
| 2 | West Pharmaceutical Services | 250-500 |
| 3 | Eaton | 100-300 |
| 4 | Chief Industries | 100–250 |
| 5 | BluePrint Engines | 100–250 |
| 6 | Morris Printing Group | 100–250 |
Kearney is home to several museums, many of which reflect its location on theCalifornia,Mormon,Oregon, andPony Express trails, and theLincoln Highway.
The council-manager form is used in Kearney. The City Council makes legislative and policy-making decisions. There are five members elected citywide to serve four-year terms which are staggered. The council manager form of government was adopted in 1950. Michael W. Morgan retired as city manager January 1, 2024 and Brenda Jensen took over as interim manager until she was appointed and made official city manager on May 1, 2024.[34][35]
The council appoints a city manager to implement policies, prepare a budget, appoints department heads, and recommends areas that the council needs to attend. There are five members elected citywide serving staggered four-year terms. One member of the City Council is chosen by the council to be Mayor. Stanley Clouse served as Mayor from 2006-2024, with Jonathan Nikkila assuming the role in December 2024.[36][37][38]
The city operatesKearney Regional Airport[42] located east of the city. Commercial air service is available viaUnited Express with twice-daily service toDenver International Airport, as well as a daily non-stop flight toO'Hare Airport in Chicago, IL. TheUnion Pacific Railroad east-west main line runs through Kearney.Greyhound Bus Lines stops to pick up or discharge passengers in Kearney at 112 W. Talmadge Rd.
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Municipalities and communities ofBuffalo County, Nebraska,United States | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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