Buffalo County Has a Skilled and Educated Workforce

With Kearney as the central driver for economic activity, small businesses and large companies can draw on a skilled labor force with a range of talents built from the fantastic local higher education opportunities and existing industry roles. The county’s total labor force in 2022 approaches 30,000 individuals, with leading industries being Healthcare/Social Assistance, Retail Trade and Manufacturing. Employers benefit from the diverse range of inherent skills and experience present with area residents. Employees benefit from the substantial career opportunities and earning ability driven by the solid economic sector base.

Workforce

Total Businesses

2,233

Total Employed

32,443

Workers 16+

27,180

2023 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

256

Employed

6,305

2023 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

311

Employed

4,822

2023 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

73

Employed

3,658

2023 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

178

Employed

2,865

2023 Manufacturing Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

68

Employed

2,799

2023 Food Service / Drinking Est.

cp-industries

Businesses

143

Employed

2,273

Some
High School

1,316

Graduated
High School

7,270

Associates
Degree

3,419

Bachelor's
Degree

8,008

Graduate
Degree

4,261

Average Commute Time

17 min.



Resident Commuters

24,047

Non-Resident Commuters

3,084

Drive Alone

22,577

Carpooled

2,515

Public

48

Work At Home

1,207