The City of Kearney offered residents a chance to give their feedback on how livable they believe Kearney to be. Topics in the survey included the economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, natural environment, inclusivity and engagement, parks and recreation, health and wellness, and education, arts and culture.

The results show that residents give high ratings to safety and the natural environment in Kearney. The survey found that residents enjoy a high quality of life in Kearney and appreciate its natural features and outdoor amenities. It also shows that residents expressed strong satisfaction with their quality of life in the city, with at least 8 in 10 giving excellent or good reviews to Kearney as a place to live and as a place to raise children and to the overall quality of life in the city.

Most respondents said they planned to remain in Kearney for the next five years or would recommend living in Kearney, and about 70% were pleased with Kearney as a place to retire, the overall image or reputation of the city, and the sense of community in Kearney. Further, aspects of the natural environment contribute to quality of life in Kearney.

Safety is both a priority and a strength in Kearney, with most residents rating this facet as both of high importance (92% essential or very important) and high quality (85% excellent or good).

Kearney residents gave ratings that were on par with national averages to the overall quality of business and service establishments in the city economic development and the cost of living. However, other economy-related ratings in Kearney were lower than those seen elsewhere. About 4 in 10 residents positively rated the city as a place to work and to visit, as well as the variety of business and service establishments, while about one-third gave favorable marks to the vibrancy of the downtown/commercial area and employment opportunities, and 20% favorably rated shopping opportunities in the city.

Residents thought inclusivity in Kearney needed improvement in some areas. Most respondents thought that the Kearney community did an excellent or good job of making all residents feel welcome and taking care of vulnerable residents. About half of residents expressed satisfaction with the community for valuing and respecting residents from diverse backgrounds, while about 40% gave favorable scores to the community for attracting people from diverse background and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds.

The City says this information will be very helpful to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen during their upcoming priority setting workshop and for city leadership.

View the full survey results HERE.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story