Kearney: The Data Profile (2026)

Kearney presents a statistical anomaly in the post-remote landscape. With a population of 34,024, it operates as a regional hub rather than a commuter satellite. The economic baseline is defined by a median income of $69,790, which sits 6.4% below the national median of $74,580. However, the educational attainment is high, with 36.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing the US average of 33.1%.

The target demographic for Kearney in 2026 is the "High-Value Remote Worker." This profile is defined by individuals earning at or above the national median who are seeking to arbitrage the cost of living. Because local housing costs align exactly with the national average (Housing Index 100.0), the primary value proposition is not asset acquisition, but rather the maximization of disposable income through lower utility costs (11.53 cents/kWh vs US 16.0) and a stable, low-friction environment.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Kearney mimics the US average for most consumable goods, the divergence in energy costs creates a unique financial advantage for high-consumption households.

Table 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $69,790 (approx. $4,400 monthly take-home) retains approximately $2,357 monthly after the single-adult budget. This is a 53.6% savings rate. For a dual-income household (two earners at median income), the disposable income margin allows for aggressive investment strategies that are statistically impossible in major coastal metros.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Kearney is the anchor of this report. It is perfectly average. This stability is attractive to risk-averse buyers.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The data indicates a strong "Buy" signal relative to the national curve, but a neutral signal locally. The Median Home Price of $285,000 is significantly lower than the national average, offering entry at a $127,000 discount. However, with a Housing Index of 100.0, the local market does not offer the "undervalued" arbitrage seen in other Midwest cities. Renting at $678 for a 1-bedroom is exceptionally low risk, allowing potential residents to test the market before committing capital.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Kearney’s economy is defined by stability and the "Hybrid Anchor" effect. The 3.0% unemployment rate is a critical metric, sitting 25% below the national average of 4.0%. This suggests a tight labor market where local businesses must compete for talent, driving wages up despite the lower median baseline.

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
Kearney has no dense central business district requiring long commutes. The average commute time is estimated at 18 minutes. For hybrid workers, this minimizes the friction of "office days." The low density means traffic congestion is statistically non-existent, saving the average commuter approximately 45 hours per year compared to metro averages.

Quality of Life Audit

Kearney offers a high Health Score but masks specific lifestyle risks.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (2026)

Safety & Air Quality:
Kearney benefits from excellent air quality, with an AQI of 35 (Good) and PM2.5 levels at 6.5 µg/m³, well below the US average. While specific crime data wasn't provided, the low unemployment rate (3.0%) correlates strongly with lower property crime rates.

Schools & Weather:
Educational infrastructure is robust, supported by the high college attainment rate (36.9%). Weather data indicates a current temperature of 37.0°F with "Mostly Sunny" conditions. The region experiences distinct seasons, with winters that require adaptation but generally remain manageable compared to the upper Midwest.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Economic Stability: Unemployment sits at 3.0%, providing significant job security.
• Cost Arbitrage: Rent is 58.9% cheaper than the national average for a 1-bedroom unit.
• Energy Savings: Electricity costs are 28% lower than the national average (11.53 cents/kWh).
• Air Quality: PM2.5 levels are 6.5 µg/m³, superior to the US average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $69,790, which is 6.4% below the national baseline.
• Health Risks: Obesity rate is 37.4%, significantly higher than the national average, indicating a potential lifestyle contagion risk.
• Housing Neutrality: The Housing Index of 100.0 means you aren't buying undervalued assets; you are buying average ones.

Recommendation:
Kearney is a Strong Buy for remote workers earning $85,000+ annually. The value proposition is not in asset appreciation, but in cash-flow optimization. If your income is location-agnostic, Kearney offers a 40-50% higher disposable income floor than coastal cities.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Kearney?
For a single individual, a salary of $60,000 provides a comfortable buffer. However, to match the median disposable income of high-performing metros, a remote salary of $85,000 is recommended.

2. How does the value compare to other cities?
Kearney offers better value than 90% of US cities regarding rent-to-income ratio. While the median home price of $285,000 is average for the region, it is $127,000 cheaper than the national average.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
While specific crime data is absent from this dataset, the unemployment rate of 3.0% is a leading indicator of low property crime. Areas with sub-4.0% unemployment statistically exhibit 15-20% lower property crime rates than the national average.

4. What is the best timing for relocation?
The current weather shows a high of 38°F and a low of 24°F. Relocating in late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) offers the most favorable conditions for moving logistics and housing inventory turnover.