Buffalo County Has a Skilled and Educated Workforce

With Kearney as the central driver for economic activity, small businesses and large companies can draw on a skilled labor force with a range of talents built from the fantastic local higher education opportunities and existing industry roles. The county’s total labor force in 2022 approaches 30,000 individuals, with leading industries being Healthcare/Social Assistance, Retail Trade and Manufacturing. Employers benefit from the diverse range of inherent skills and experience present with area residents. Employees benefit from the substantial career opportunities and earning ability driven by the solid economic sector base.

Workforce

Total Businesses

2,316

Total Employed

31,057

Workers 16+

27,180

2022 HealthCare/Social Assist

cp-industries

Businesses

256

Employed

6,338

2022 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

338

Employed

5,095

2022 Manufacturing Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

71

Employed

2,906

2022 Accommodation/Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

176

Employed

2,875

2022 Food Service/Drinking Estab

cp-industries

Businesses

141

Employed

2,364

2022 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

69

Employed

2,212

Some
High School

1,169

Graduated
High School

7,296

Associates
Degree

3,596

Bachelor's
Degree

8,097

Graduate
Degree

4,330

Average Commute Time

17 min.



Resident Commuters

24,047

Non-Resident Commuters

3,084

Drive Alone

22,577

Carpooled

2,515

Public

48

Work At Home

1,207