Buffalo County Economic Pulse | May 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

Labor Force & Unemployment: A Tight Market Holds Steady
Buffalo County’s labor force edged up 1.9% in March, reaching 29,195 strong. But don’t let the steady 2.0% unemployment rate fool you—this isn’t a sign of booming growth. Instead, it’s a red flag for ongoing labor shortages.

Building Permits: Momentum Slows Again

After a brief March rally, April saw building permits dip from 18 last year to just 14 this year. Year-to-date numbers are also trailing. The mix—6 residential vs. 8 commercial—signals a shift in focus toward business and infrastructure projects. The slowdown continues a trend we’ve been tracking, and it raises questions about housing supply and long-term growth.

Enplanements: Skyrocketing Travel Numbers
Air travel is soaring! April enplanements nearly doubled year-over-year, leaping from 848 to 1,601. Year-to-date totals are also flying high—up from 3,667 to 7,231. This surge reflects the strength of Kearney’s partnerships with United and SkyWest and bodes well for tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity.

Retail Sales: A Dip in Consumer Confidence?
February retail sales slipped from $77.8M to $70.3M—a noticeable drop that could signal tightening wallets or inflationary headwinds. With Kearney leaning heavily on sales tax revenue, this is a trend worth watching closely in the months ahead.

Vehicle Sales: Big Purchases Still Rolling
In contrast to retail, vehicle sales revved up from $11.5M to $12.3M. This uptick suggests that while consumers may be cautious, they’re still willing to invest in big-ticket items.

Housing Sales: Inventory Crunch Deepens
The housing market remains under pressure. April home sales fell from 45 to 28, and year-to-date figures are down a steep 33%. But this isn’t about demand—it’s about supply. Inventory is critically low, especially in the $250K–$350K sweet spot for first-time buyers and young families, underscoring the urgent need for new development.

Lodging Taxes: Tourism Saves the Day
Here’s another bright spot: lodging tax revenue climbed from $181K to $199K in March, with year-to-date collections up 8%. This aligns perfectly with the enplanement boom and points to a healthy rebound in both tourism and business travel.

May 2025 BC Economic Pulse by Development Council for Buffalo County