Cost of Living in Kearney, MO
Population 10,696 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kearney is a smaller Missouri community of around 11000 residents, where median household incomes of $102,523 and housing costs ($275,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 20 miles north of Independence, Kearney falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 65% higher than Independence's $166,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kearney
The median home value in Kearney is $275,200 — 10% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,000/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $102,523/year is 37% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Kearney has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kearney, MO?
Kearney has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kearney, MO?
The median gross rent in Kearney is $1,000 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kearney?
The median home value in Kearney is $275,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kearney?
The median household income in Kearney is $102,523 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kearney, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kearney is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Kearney, MO affordable?
Yes, Kearney is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.
Kearney at a Glance
- Population
- 10,696
- Median Income
- $102,523
- Home Value
- $275,200
- Median Rent
- $1,000/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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