Mortgage payment estimates, closing cost breakdowns, and homebuying data for Kearney, Nebraska.
Median Home Price
$235K
Population
34K
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,020
Property Tax Rate
1.73% *
* Property tax shown is the Nebraska state average effective rate. Actual rates vary by county, city, and school district — check with your local assessor for exact rates in Kearney.
Kearney vs Nebraska Median
The median home price in Kearney is $235,000, which is roughly in line with the Nebraska state median of $245,000.
Mortgage Calculator — Kearney, NE
Pre-filled with Kearney median home price and Nebraska tax/insurance rates. Adjust for your property.
Three down payment scenarios for a $235K home using Nebraska's 1.73% tax rate and $2,800/yr insurance.
5% Down
$2,113/mo
Down: $11,750
Loan: $223K
P&I: $1,411
Tax: $339
Insurance: $233
PMI: $130
10% Down
$2,032/mo
Down: $23,500
Loan: $212K
P&I: $1,337
Tax: $339
Insurance: $233
PMI: $123
20% Down (No PMI)
$1,760/mo
Down: $47,000
Loan: $188K
P&I: $1,188
Tax: $339
Insurance: $233
Income needed (28% rule): $75K/year with 20% down, $87K/year with 10% down.
Rent vs Buy in Kearney
Rent
$1,020/mo
vs
Buy (10% down)
$2,032/mo
Price-to-rent ratio: 19.2 — A ratio between 15-20 means the rent vs buy decision in Kearney depends heavily on your timeline. If you plan to stay 5+ years, buying likely wins. For shorter stays, renting preserves flexibility.
The median home price in Kearney is $235,000, roughly in line with the Nebraska state median of $245,000. With a population of 33,790, Kearney is a smaller market where home prices tend to be more accessible than in many parts of Nebraska.
Property taxes in Nebraska average 1.73% annually. This higher-than-average tax rate means a $235,000 home in Kearney would carry roughly $339/month in property taxes alone — plan accordingly. Homeowners insurance in Nebraska runs approximately $2,800 per year. This is within the normal range nationally.
Average rent in Kearney is $1,020/month. The price-to-rent ratio in Kearney is moderate, meaning the buy-vs-rent decision depends heavily on how long you plan to stay.
Kearney offers strong affordability. With median prices under $250K, first-time buyers have realistic paths to homeownership, especially combined with Nebraska's NIFA Homebuyer Assistance program.
Run a Rent vs Buy analysis
Compare total costs of renting vs buying in Kearney.