Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kearney?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kearney, you need to earn at least $43,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $66,843, which means the typical resident is $23,603 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 33,809

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$757	$2,523	$30,280	$-36,563
1 Bedroom	$897	$2,990	$35,880	$-30,963
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,081	$3,603	$43,240	$-23,603
3 Bedroom	$1,319	$4,397	$52,760	$-14,083
4 Bedroom	$1,622	$5,407	$64,880	$-1,963

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Kearney's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$66,843

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$23,603

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Kearney

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kearney's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,671

Studio

$757/mo

1 BR

$897/mo

2 BR

$1,081/mo

3 BR

$1,319/mo

4 BR

$1,622/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Kearney.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Kearney's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kearney

Kearney, Nebraska stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $66,843 significantly exceeds the $43,240 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $23,603 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Kearney, a studio at $757/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,319/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $52,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $64,860 would position you well — though many residents in Kearney manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Kearney, Nebraska.

With a total population of 33,809, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 18,966 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,240 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

18,966

Active civilian employees in Kearney

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kearney

What salary do I need to live in Kearney, Nebraska?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kearney under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,240. The median household income in Kearney is $66,843.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kearney on $66,843?

The affordability verdict for Kearney is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.4%, meaning median earners have a $23,603 surplus.

What is the average rent in Kearney compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Kearney is $897/month. With a median household income of $66,843, residents spend approximately 19.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kearney?

A studio in Kearney rents for approximately $757/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,280 to afford this.

Is Kearney considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $23,603 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Kearney is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,240 to the local median household income.

How Kearney Compares

Other cities in Nebraska with salary requirements