Buffalo County

As of the 2020 Census, Buffalo County, NE, has a population of approximately 50,084 residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (91.0%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (7.8%), Black or African American (1.5%), Asian (0.8%), Native American (0.4%), and other races. The median household income stands at around $61,708, with a poverty rate of approximately 11.0%. Educational attainment shows that 92.5% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, while 31.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The county covers an area of 968 square miles.

As of the latest data, the median home value in Buffalo County, NE is approximately $182,000. The median monthly rent is around $750. The homeownership rate stands at about 65%, while the vacancy rate is roughly 6%. Housing stock primarily consists of single-family homes, with a small percentage dedicated to multi-family units and mobile homes. The annual home appreciation rate is approximately 4%. For more accurate and updated figures, please refer to local real estate listings or government resources.

As of the most recent elections, Buffalo County, Nebraska, featured several key races. The Board of Supervisors election saw competitive races, with seven seats up for grabs. In the U.S. House of Representatives contests, candidates from both major parties vied for the 3rd District seat. Voter turnout in the county often mirrors state averages, typically around 65%-70% in presidential election years and 45%-50% in midterms. The 2022 gubernatorial race saw Republican Jim Pillen and Democrat Carol Blood as main candidates. Local offices, including sheriff, county clerk, and treasurer, also saw significant interest with incumbents and new contenders. For precise numerical outcomes, refer to the Buffalo County Election Commissioner’s official reports.

As of the latest data, Buffalo County, NE, reflects a favorable educational profile. Approximately 91% of residents aged 25 and older have completed high school, surpassing the national average of around 89%. Additionally, about 31% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of roughly 33% and Nebraska's state average of 32%.

Kearney serves as an educational hub within the county, home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), which significantly contributes to the local educational landscape. School systems in the county, such as Kearney Public Schools, emphasize comprehensive education, and the area's educational institutions typically perform well in statewide assessments.

Overall, Buffalo County’s educational attainment is on par with national and state standards, indicating a well-educated populace.

As of the latest data, Buffalo County, NE, has an employment rate of around 96%, with the labor force participation at approximately 69%. Key industries include Education and Health Services (23%), Retail Trade (14%), and Manufacturing (13%), making substantial economic contributions. The county benefits from major employers like the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Kearney Regional Medical Center.

Compared to national averages, Buffalo County has a higher percentage of employment in Education and Health Services (nationally 16%), and Retail Trade (nationally 10%). The unemployment rate in Buffalo County is lower than the national average of around 3.7%. When compared to the Nebraska state average, Buffalo County shows similar trends but with slightly higher employment in manufacturing and education sectors.

Overall, Buffalo County's employment landscape is robust, driven by diverse economic sectors that compare favorably to both state and national statistics.

As of the latest data, Buffalo County, NE, has a median household income of around $56,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of Nebraska is approximately $63,000, while the national average sits at about $68,700. This suggests that Buffalo County's income level is somewhat lower than both the state and national averages.

Income Comparison Table

Buffalo County's income level highlights an economic discrepancy when compared to the broader state and nation, presenting potential areas for economic development and investment.

As of the latest available data, Buffalo County, NE has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate is approximately 1.67 per 1,000 residents annually. Below is a statistical table summarizing different types of crimes in Buffalo County:

These figures provide an overview of crime in Buffalo County, demonstrating a generally safe environment with notably low violent crime rates.