Tech and Bioscience Companies Are Building in Buffalo County: A Strategic Choice for Data, Diagnostics, and Development
Buffalo County offers the key ingredients tech and bioscience companies look for: a growing, educated workforce, strategic partnerships with a research-driven university, and an environment where employers can scale without cost pressure. Anchored by the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and supported by a region committed to talent development, this is where technology and bioscience businesses can grow with intention and with the right resources.
Strong Workforce, A Growing Market, and Workforce-Ready Talent
Buffalo County’s labor pool is both deep and growing. The Buffalo County laborshed, including Buffalo County and seven surrounding counties, has a labor force of 109,409. More than 106,000 residents were employed within this labor pool, and nearly 101,000 worked in nonfarm wage and salary jobs.
Buffalo County’s population increased 33.8 percent from 1990 to 2020, nearly doubling the growth rate of the broader region. As of 2022, the county’s population reached 50,586, contributing to a total regional population of 196,671.
For businesses in professional, scientific, and technical services, that translates into both workforce availability and market stability. More than 2,950 people already work in this sector locally, earning an average annual wage of $61,812. These figures continue to grow in parallel with industry demand.
University of Nebraska at Kearney: A Direct Talent Pipeline
UNK plays a central role in shaping Buffalo County’s tech and bioscience ecosystem. The university enrolls over 6,000 students, 4,269 undergraduates and 1,772 graduate students, and offers over 200 academic programs. Many of those programs directly align with industry needs, including:
- Biology, biotechnology, and health sciences
- Computer science and information technology
- Business administration and management
- Pre-professional medical and scientific tracks
UNK has earned national recognition for academic quality and value. It ranks among the top 10 public regional universities in the Midwest and holds the No. 1 ranking in Nebraska. Programs like the Nebraska Promise and the New Nebraskan Scholarship significantly reduce tuition costs, expanding access to high-caliber students nationwide.
This recognition matters for business. Local companies benefit from UNK’s internship and research partnership opportunities, access to recent graduates, and a tuition strategy that keeps talent in the region.
Emerging Cluster: Local Companies Leading the Way: Innovation and Diagnostics Companies Already Growing Here
Buffalo County is home to a growing cluster of tech and bioscience employers, including:
- West Pharmaceutical Services: A global manufacturer providing packaging systems and drug delivery solutions to the pharmaceutical industry.
- Ward Laboratories: A full-service agricultural testing lab supporting clients nationwide with soil, water, feed, and plant analysis.
- MARA: A biotechnology and diagnostics firm with a strong regional footprint and expanding capabilities.
These companies reflect the broad scope of activity in the sector—from life sciences and pharma packaging to agtech, lab diagnostics, and biotech consulting. Their continued growth illustrates the competitive advantages of doing business in central Nebraska.
Ideal Fit for These Tech and Bioscience Sectors
Buffalo County is an ideal location for companies in:
- Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Research and Development in Biotechnology
- Testing Laboratories
- Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
- Custom Software and IT Services for Healthcare or AgTech
- Pharmaceutical Support Services
- Environmental and Agricultural Sciences
These businesses benefit from local access to skilled workers, lower overhead, and opportunities to engage directly with university research programs.
Build With Confidence in Buffalo County
Talk with our team about sites, workforce data, and incentives. Buffalo County is ready if you’re evaluating new locations for a tech or bioscience operation.