--- title: Buffalo County Economic Pulse | August 2025 description: Welcome back to our monthly Economic Pulse report, where we break down the latest trends shaping the economic landscape of Kearney and Buffalo County. This --- [Skip to content](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/news-center/p/item/64176/buffalo-county-economic-pulse-august-2025#main-content) [![Development Council for Buffalo County logo](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/hubfs/Development%20Council%20Logo_1-23-23_V1.png)](https://growbuffalocounty.com) - About Buffalo County - [Communities](https://growbuffalocounty.com/communities) - [Livability](https://growbuffalocounty.com/live) - [Labor](https://growbuffalocounty.com/work) - Site Selectors - [Sites & Buildings](https://growbuffalocounty.com/sites-buildings) - [Target Industries](https://growbuffalocounty.com/target-industries) - [Regional Data](https://growbuffalocounty.com/regional-data) - [Location Advantages](https://growbuffalocounty.com/location-advantages) - Strategic Initiatives - [Build Buffalo County](https://growbuffalocounty.com/build-buffalo-county) - Business Support - [Incentives](https://growbuffalocounty.com/incentives) - [Resources](https://growbuffalocounty.com/resources) - [Entrepreneurs](https://growbuffalocounty.com/big-idea-buffalo-county) - About DCBC - [Services](https://growbuffalocounty.com/services-1) - [Staff](https://growbuffalocounty.com/staff) - [Board](https://growbuffalocounty.com/board) - [Investors](https://growbuffalocounty.com/membership) - [News](https://growbuffalocounty.com/news) - [Contact Us](https://growbuffalocounty.com/contact-us) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # Buffalo County Economic Pulse | August 2025 [Admin](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/author/admin) Published Aug 19, 2025 Reading Time 2 min read #### Welcome back to our monthly 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. #### **Housing: Pressure Point** Buffalo Countys housing market is facing real challenges, and we are running out of time to pretend everything is fine. We hoped 2024 was the low point. But 2025 said, “Not yet.” Only 24 homes sold in July—a 43% drop from last year. Year-to-date sales are down 24%. Inventory is tight, affordability is slipping, and new construction is slow. Were especially short on homes in the $325K– $400K range—the sweet spot for working families and professionals. That gap threatens workforce retention, family stability, and economic growth. This isnt just a dip—its a deeper issue. We need to act with informed urgency. Yes, we need to study the problem, but we must also move forward using the insights we already have. Recent zoning reforms were a good start (credit to the City of Kearney), but we must also examine building codes, engage with builders, and leverage existing incentives. Buffalo Countys future depends on housing that works—for families, workers, and employers. We need bold leadership that serves the entire community – not just those with the loudest voice. #### **Development: Momentum with Limits** Construction activity is gaining steam, but its not yet solving the housing crisis. July permits totaled 17 (10 residential, 7 commercial/remodel), up from 12 last year. Year-to-date permits reached 90, up from 78, with a mix of 50 residential and 40 commercial/remodel projects. So why the disconnect? - The type of housing being built may not match whats most needed—especially in the $325K– $400K range. - Nearly half of the activity is commercial, which boosts the economy but doesnt address housing shortages. - Theres a lag between policy changes and market impact. In short: development is moving, but not fast or targeted enough to relieve current housing pressures. #### **Commerce: Retail Resilience** Retail activity remains strong. Retail sales in May totaled $93.3 million, up from $88.7 million last year. Vehicle sales dipped slightly to $15.6 million, down from $15.8 million, hinting at a cooling in discretionary spending. #### **Lodging: Mixed Signals** Lodging taxes for June came in at $184,969, a slight decline from $198,459 last year. However, year-to-date revenue is up— $926,339 compared to $887,568—an encouraging sign for tourism and hospitality. #### **Travel: Taking Off** July enplanements more than doubled, rising from 1,095 to 2,209 compared to last year. Year-to-date enplanements now total 13,552, up from 7,119—a clear sign of growing regional demand and connectivity. Discussions are underway about a future Chicago flight, but know that launching the service would likely require a significant financial commitment to support a minimum revenue guarantee—a common tool used to reduce risk for airlines entering smaller markets.   by Development Council for Buffalo County   [Admin](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/author/admin) Share #### Let's Connect We’d love to hear from you—reach out anytime and let’s start the conversation. ## Related Posts [Buffalo County Economic Pulse | June 2025 Welcome back to our monthly Economic Pulse report, where we break down the latest trends shaping the...](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/news-center/p/item/63781/buffalo-county-economic-pulse-june-2025) [Buffalo County Economic Pulse | May 2025 Welcome back to our monthly Economic Pulse report, where we break down the latest trends shaping the...](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/news-center/p/item/62889/buffalo-county-economic-pulse-may-2025) [Buffalo County Economic Pulse | July 2025 Welcome back to our monthly Economic Pulse report, where we break down the latest trends shaping the...](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/news-center/p/item/63785/buffalo-county-economic-pulse-july-2025) ![edcc-logo-1](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/hubfs/edcc-logo-1.svg) **Development Council for Buffalo County** 220 11th Avenue Kearney, NE 68845 [(308) 237-9346](tel:+1308-237-9346)[mailto:info@growbuffalocounty.com](mailto:info@growbuffalocounty.com) [info@growbuffalocounty.com](mailto:info@growbuffalocounty.com) - [Buffalo County](https://buffalocounty.ne.gov/) - [City of Kearney](https://cityofkearney.org/) - [Kearney Area Chamber](https://www.kearneycoc.org/) - [Kearney Visitors Bureau](https://visitkearney.org/) - [Contact](https://growbuffalocounty.com/contact-us) - [Site Map](https://242034849.hs-sites-na2.com/sitemap.xml) © 2025 Development Council for Buffalo County. 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