Welcome to the Buffalo County Economic Pulse report where we break down the latest trends shaping the economic landscape of Kearney and Buffalo County.

This interactive snapshot is designed to empower businesses, policymakers, and residents with the insights they need to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Take a look at the data, then skip down to read Trevor's Take.

Trevor's Take:

Trevor Lee, President of the Development Council for Buffalo County

November 2025 Economic Indicators

Buffalo County’s latest economic indicators reflect a community in motion—some sectors are gaining altitude, while others are showing signs of fatigue. Here's what the data tells us:

Buffalo County’s economy is nearing the end of 2025 with a mix of highs, lows, and a couple of big headlines that could shake things up next year.

Travel & Tourism

Enplanements hit 2,107 in October, almost double last year’s number. Year-to-date totals? 19,941, up from 10,509 in 2024.

And here’s the kicker: Kearney is getting an extra daily flight to Chicago in 2026. That’s a big connectivity win for business and leisure travelers alike. Pair that with lodging taxes climbing to $175,847 in September (up from $162,379 last year), and its clear tourism is helping keep our economic engine humming.

Commerce

Here’s where things get tricky. Retail sales have been sliding for several months, not just August. The latest figure — $93.9M, down from $98.9M last year — continues the trend. Vehicle sales are also down at $14.1M vs. $15.07M in 2024.

Why does this matter? Because while revenues dip, the cost of running a great community keeps climbing — think infrastructure, essential services, and yes, even that shiny new Chicago flight. Fortunately for us, balancing these realities is a priority for city leaders heading into 2026.

Real Estate & Development

Housing demand is still strong, but supply? Not so much.

• Homes sold in October rose to 34 units, up from 18 last year.
• Year-to-date sales are down: 251 vs. 304 in 2024.
• Building permits fell to 14 in October, and housing units added dropped to 9 vs. 28. Year-to-date housing units sit at 78, well below last year’s 127.
  On the bright side, total permits year-to-date are slightly higher (137 vs. 131), thanks to commercial and remodel projects.

Regional Watch

The announced closure of Tyson’s Lexington beef plant is a big deal, but the full impact is still unknown. Possible ripple effects?

• Labor markets: Displaced workers will look for jobs across Nebraska and beyond.
• Housing demand: When relocation happens, rental and ownership markets might shift.
• Supply chain & agriculture: Livestock producers and related businesses could feel pressure, with knock-on effects for transportation and retail.

Bottom line: This is one to watch closely.

Final Thought

Travel and tourism are bright spots, and the Chicago flight could be a game-changer. But retail softness and rising costs make for a challenging backdrop. Add in the uncertainty from Tyson’s closure, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year of both opportunity and resilience.