Buffalo County Economic Pulse | June 2025

Welcome back to our monthly Economic Pulse report, where we break down the latest trends shaping the economic landscape of Kearney and Buffalo County. This interactive snapshot is designed to empower businesses, policymakers, and residents with the insights they need to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Key Takeaways

Full Throttle, Some Turbulence, and a Few Course Corrections

Summer’s in full swing, and so is Buffalo County’s economy. The June 2025 numbers show a region that’s charging ahead—with a few bumps in the road and some opportunities to fine-tune our trajectory. From sky-high travel to retail resilience, the story is one of momentum with room to grow.

Labor Force: More Talant, More Opportunity
The workforce grew 1.6% over last year, reaching 29,289—a strong sign of economic confidence. The slight uptick in unemployment to 2.3% (from 1.7%) could reflect more people entering the job market, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s a signal that Buffalo County remains a place where people want to work and build careers.

Enplanements: Sky-High Streak Continues
Kearney Regional Airport and United Airlines continue to deliver. May boardings nearly doubled year-over-year, and we’re up 92% year-to-date. That’s not just growth—it’s a clear sign that Buffalo County is more connected than ever, and people are taking notice.

Lodging Taxes: Heads in Beds, Cash in the Till
April lodging tax collections climbed to $153,288, with year-to-date totals up 7% to $584,398. More visitors mean more energy in our hotels, restaurants, and shops. Tourism is doing more than holding steady—it’s helping power our broader economy.

Building Permits: A Mixed Bag with a Missing Piece
May permits rose to 13 from 9 last year, showing continued investment. Year-to-date numbers are nearly even with 2024, but the mix leans heavily toward commercial. That’s a sign of business confidence—but also a reminder that we need to keep pace on the residential side to support our growing workforce. Translation? We’re building places to work, but not enough places to live.

Retail & Auto Sales: Holding the Line, But Wheels Are Slipping
Retail sales in March held steady at $88.6M, a welcome rebound from February’s dip. Vehicle sales were down 13%, which may reflect broader market trends like rising interest rates or shifting consumer habits. Still, the overall picture shows a community that’s spending smart and staying steady.

Real Estate: Demand’s There—Inventory Isn’t
Home sales in May dropped to 30 from 45 last year, and year-to-date sales are down 25%. But this isn’t about waning interest—it’s about limited inventory and affordability challenges. Buyers are circling, but there are few places to land.

Bottom Line:
Buffalo County’s economy is dynamic, determined—and a little disjointed. We’re growing, we’re traveling, we’re building—but not always in sync. The second half of 2025 will be all about balance: matching housing to jobs, demand to supply, and ambition to infrastructure.

June 2025 BC Economic Pulse by Development Council for Buffalo County