Buffalo County

Buffalo County is the fifth-most populated county in Nebraska. The most populated city in the county is Kearney, which is the county seat and is among the most dynamic micropolitan cities in the Midwest, affording amenities usually found only in much larger communities.

Kearney and the surrounding communities of Amherst, Elm Creek, Gibbon, Miller, Pleasanton, Ravenna, Riverdale and Shelton deliver a growing, diversified economy with the best quality of living expected of small towns. Niche ranks Buffalo County in the top five counties in the state for young professionals and overall health.

Population

Total Population

51,245

Population
Growth Rate

0.41%

Median Age

35

Diversity Index

40.400

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-11

Housing & Income

Households

20,142

Total Housing Units

21,580


Owner Occupied

12,572

Renter Occupied

7,570

Vacant

1,438

Median Home Value

$249,640


Average Home Value

$276,889

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

2.98%

Income Projection

Median Household

$66,786 $75,321


Average Household

$92,955 $107,306


Per Capita

$36,635 $42,427

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-11

Workforce

Total Businesses

2,401

Total Employed

34,349

Workers 16+

27,193

2024 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

330

Employed

7,216

2024 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

311

Employed

4,810

2024 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

77

Employed

3,904

2024 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

184

Employed

2,925

2024 Manufacturing Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

74

Employed

2,822

2024 Food Service / Drinking Est.

cp-industries

Businesses

150

Employed

2,339

Some
High School

1,282

Graduated
High School

6,969

Associates
Degree

3,646

Bachelor's
Degree

7,983

Graduate
Degree

4,083

Average Commute Time

16 min.



Resident Commuters

24,164

Non-Resident Commuters

2,965

Drive Alone

22,541

Carpooled

2,693

Public

38

Work At Home

1,205

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-11