Let the numbers do the talking.
Kearney, NE vs Omaha, NE
Kearney, NE vs Omaha, NE: What the data shows
Kearney, NE is in Kearney, NE while Omaha, NE is in Omaha, NE — both in the same state. On home prices, Kearney, NE is the more affordable option at $211,300 median — $110,100 less than Omaha, NE's $321,400. WYLT rates Kearney, NE as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Omaha, NE as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Kearney, NE has the stronger safety profile of the two. Kearney, NE has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Omaha, NE has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Kearney, NE has Low flood risk and Omaha, NE has Low flood risk.
Omaha, NE is the more walkable neighborhood. Kearney, NE scores 33/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Omaha, NE's 49/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Kearney, NE has the higher school rating — Kearney, NE rates 8.4/10 and Omaha, NE rates 7.7/10.
| Category | Kearney, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $211K ✓ Lower price | $321K |
| Median Rent | $898 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $67K ✓ Higher income | $64K |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 33/100 | 49/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 41/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute | 45 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.7/10 |
| Best for | Families with childrenFirst‑time homebuyersRetirees seeking low cost of living | Young professionalsStudentsRemote workers |
Bottom line
For families or retirees looking for a quiet, affordable place to live, Kearney might be a better choice despite its drawbacks. If you value walkability or cycling and are willing to pay a premium for it, Omaha might be a more appealing option, but only if you're a renter or a young professional. Ultimately, both neighborhoods are "Think twice" candidates, suggesting they should be considered thoughtfully, but with different priorities.
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