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Kearney, MO

Frequently asked questions

Kearney, MO

Kearney is a city in Clay County, Missouri, United States. The population per the 2020 U.S. Census was 10,404. The city was the birthplace of Jesse James, and there is an annual festival on the third weekend of September to recognize the outlaw. It is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Kearney was unofficially founded in the spring of 1856 by David T. Duncan and W. R. Cave and was originally called Centerville. Centerville was composed of what is now the southeastern portion of the town. In 1867, John Lawrence began laying out plans for another small settlement around the newly established Kansas City and Cameron Railroad subsidiary of the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad which was to build the Hannibal Bridge establishing Kansas City, Missouri as the dominant city in the region. The president of the railroad was Charles E. Kearney (although there is speculation that it was named after Kearney, Nebraska). The railroad still operates as the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway. As they grew, the two settlements of Centerville and Kearney were effectively merged, and the town of Kearney, Missouri was officially incorporated in 1869.

The Claybrook House (since destroyed in a fire) and James Brothers' House and Farm are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kearney is located in north-central Clay County northeast of the Kansas City metropolitan area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.92 square miles (33.46 km2), of which 12.91 square miles (33.44 km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) is water.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $85,499 (with a margin of error of +/- $8,205) and the median family income was $95,129 (+/- $5,308). Males had a median income of $49,854 (+/- $5,008) versus $32,372 (+/- $8,865) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $43,343 (+/- $3,368). Approximately, 2.3% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under the age of 18 and 6.3% of those ages 65 or over.

Kearney places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Liberty Hospital, Excelsior Springs Hospital, and North Kansas City Hospital offer a variety of inpatient and outpatient services, including primary care and emergency care, ensuring convenient access to medical assistance. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a workout at Anytime Fitness and 9Round Fitness known for their comprehensive gym facilities. Genesis Health Clubs - Liberty, located nearby, offers a range of fitness classes and state-of-the-art equipment. Outdoor lovers can explore the Jackson River Fishing Trail, which provides scenic hiking and biking paths.  

Top sites in Kearney, MO: Jesse James Birthplace, Kearney Skate Park, and Kearney Historic Museum.
 

ZIP code: 64060. Population: 10,913 (2022). Area code: 816. Elevation: 833 ft (254 m). Area: 12.92 square miles (33.46 km2).
 

FAQs

What is Kearney, MO is known for?

From its humble beginnings in 1856 as an agricultural and livestock community to its current status as a premier area of modern living, Kearney has kept a respectful eye on its rich and colorful past. Kearney holds its place in American history and folklore as the birthplace of one of the American West’s most notorious characters, Jesse James. To the northeast of Kearney is found a farm that plays an interesting part in the history of the Kearney area as well as other parts of the country. On January 10, 1843, Alexander Franklin James was born on a farm three miles Northeast of Kearney. 

Is Kearney, MO a nice place to live?

Kearney is in Clay County and is one of the best places to live in Missouri. Living in Kearney offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Kearney and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Kearney are highly rated.

What are the demographics of Kearney, MO?

Kearney is a city located in Clay County, Clinton County, and Ray County Missouri. Kearney has a 2024 population of 11,365. Kearney is currently growing at a rate of 2.03% annually and its population has increased by 8.64% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 10,461 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Kearney was: White: 91.98%, Two or more races: 5.92%, Other race: 1.22%, Black or African American: 0.42%, Asian: 0.32%, Native American: 0.13%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%
 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kearney

Kearney Chamber.

Niche

World Population Review

Jesse James Birthplace

Kearney Skate Park

Kearney Historic Museum 

Liberty Hospital

Excelsior Springs Hospital

North Kansas City Hospital

Anytime Fitness

9Round Fitness

Genesis Health Clubs - Liberty

Jackson River Fishing Trail

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.