6

Studio Apartments for Rent in Kearney, NE

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  • /20

    Starting at $1,395 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    2112 University Dr, Kearney, NE 68845

    Element 30 is a new urban housing project to the University Village Development at UNK for all of Kearney. A place for professionals, families, seniors and students. Live in the trendiest, upscale, urban living that Kearney has to offer!

    Element 30 Apartments

    2112 University Dr, Kearney, NE 68845
  • /20

    Starting at $1,199 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    820 W 56th St, Kearney, NE 68847

    Welcome to The Sterling Apartments at Kearney, where luxury meets convenience.Our spacious apartments feature in-unit laundry for your convenience, as well as attached and detached garages for easy parking options. Stay active in our state-of-the-art fitness center or relax and unwind in our movie theatre. Take a dip in our refreshing pool, or host gatherings in our clubhouse.With

    The Sterling Apartments At Kearney

    820 W 56th St, Kearney, NE 68847

Why Live in Kearney

Kearney, located in Central Nebraska, is a growing city with a population of 34,360 as of 2023. Known for its historical significance along the Oregon Trail and as a Union Pacific Railroad stop, Kearney has evolved into a vibrant community. The city is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the Younes Conference Center, which significantly contribute to the local economy. Downtown Kearney on the Bricks is the cultural hub, featuring brick-paved streets, pubs, local restaurants, and microbreweries like Thunderhead Brewing and Platte Valley Brewery. The Art Alleyways Project aims to enhance this area with murals and live music by 2025. Kearney Public Schools are highly rated, serving over 6,000 students across 14 schools, with Kearney Senior High School offering vocational programs. For higher education, residents can attend Central Community College or the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The housing market is diverse, with options ranging from traditional wooden homes and midcentury cottages to newly built properties in areas like Glenwood. Kearney boasts several attractions, including the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, the Museum of Nebraska Art, and the Trails & Rails Museum. The city maintains 18 parks, with popular spots like Yanney Heritage Park and the Great Plains Cultural Learning Trail. Fishing and birdwatching along the Platte River are common activities. Kearney experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers and snowy winters. The city's crime rates are lower than the national average, with significant decreases in violent crimes over the past decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Kearney, NE?
The median rent for a home in Kearney, NE is $1,637 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of July 2026, townhouses tend to be the most affordable option while single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Kearney, NE?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Kearney, NE, a household needs to earn roughly $65,480 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,637 per month in Kearney, NE, renters typically need to show $4,911 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Kearney, NE?
In Kearney, NE, the price-to-rent ratio is 16.3, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$1,637
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,863
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,475
How to Rent a Home