Kearney, Nebraska

Kearney, Nebraska
Motto: 
"Heart of Nebraska"
Location of Kearney within Nebraska and Buffalo County
Kearney, Nebraska
Location within the United States
Coordinates: 40°42′06″N 99°04′57″W / 40.70167°N 99.08250°W / 40.70167; -99.08250
CountryUnited States
StateNebraska
CountyBuffalo
Government
  TypeCouncil–manager
  MayorJonathan Nikkila
Area
  Total
15.15 sq mi (39.25 km2)
  Land14.88 sq mi (38.53 km2)
  Water0.28 sq mi (0.72 km2)
Elevation
2,152 ft (656 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
33,790
  Density2,271.29/sq mi (876.95/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central (CST))
  Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
68845, 68847, 68848 (P.O. Box), 68849 UNK
Area code308
FIPS code31-25055
GNIS feature ID838076
Websitewww.cityofkearney.org

Kearney (/ˈkɑːrni/ KAR-nee) is the county seat of Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 33,790 in the 2020 census, making it the 5th most populous city in Nebraska. It is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The westward push of the railroad as the Civil War ended gave new birth to the community.