Kearney, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kearney, Missouri
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Location of Kearney within Missouri
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Clay |
| Settled | 1856 |
| Incorporated | 1869 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 13.34 sq mi (34.56 km2) |
| • Land | 13.33 sq mi (34.54 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 10,404 |
| • Density | 780.26/sq mi (301.26/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
64060
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| Area code(s) | 816 |
| FIPS code | 29-38072 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2395496 |
| Website | http://www.ci.kearney.mo.us |
Kearney is a city located in Clay County, Missouri, in the United States. In 2020, about 10,404 people lived there. Kearney is famous as the birthplace of Jesse James, a well-known outlaw from the Old West. Every year, a festival is held in September to celebrate his connection to the city. Kearney is also part of the larger Kansas City metropolitan area.
Contents
History of Kearney
Kearney started unofficially in the spring of 1856. It was first called Centerville and was founded by David T. Duncan and W. R. Cave. This early settlement became the southeastern part of today's town.
In 1867, John Lawrence began planning another small town nearby. This new area grew around a new railroad line. The railroad was part of the Kansas City and Cameron Railroad, which helped connect cities. The president of this railroad was Charles E. Kearney, and the town might have been named after him. The two settlements, Centerville and Kearney, eventually grew together. The combined town of Kearney, Missouri, officially became a city in 1869.
Some historic places in Kearney include the Claybrook House (which was later destroyed by fire) and the James Brothers' House and Farm. These sites are important because they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography and Climate of Kearney
Kearney is located in the northern part of Clay County. It is northeast of the main Kansas City metropolitan area. The city covers about 12.92 square miles (33.46 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a small part being water.
Kearney's Climate
Kearney has a climate known as a humid continental climate. This is common in the Midwestern United States. Winters are usually cold and snowy. Summers are warm to hot and often humid.
The city is also located in an area called Tornado Alley. This means it can experience many tornadoes and strong thunderstorms. Most of these severe storms happen in the spring and summer. However, they can sometimes occur in the winter months too.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 396 | — | |
| 1880 | 464 | 17.2% | |
| 1890 | 588 | 26.7% | |
| 1900 | 621 | 5.6% | |
| 1910 | 631 | 1.6% | |
| 1920 | 625 | −1.0% | |
| 1930 | 523 | −16.3% | |
| 1940 | 543 | 3.8% | |
| 1950 | 570 | 5.0% | |
| 1960 | 678 | 18.9% | |
| 1970 | 984 | 45.1% | |
| 1980 | 1,433 | 45.6% | |
| 1990 | 1,790 | 24.9% | |
| 2000 | 5,472 | 205.7% | |
| 2010 | 8,381 | 53.2% | |
| 2020 | 10,404 | 24.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Population in 2020
The 2020 United States census counted 10,404 people living in Kearney. There were 3,727 households in the city. About 27.4% of the people were under 18 years old. About 13.7% of the population was 65 years or older. The average age in Kearney was 35.8 years.
Population in 2010
According to the census from 2010, there were 8,381 people living in Kearney. There were 2,978 households. About 47% of these households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had about 2.81 people.
The median age in the city was 33.2 years. About 32% of the residents were under 18 years old. About 9.1% of the people were 65 years of age or older.
Education in Kearney
The Kearney R-I School District manages the local schools. This includes an early childhood center and four elementary schools. There is also one middle school and one junior high school. Students attend Kearney High School for their final years of public education.
Kearney also has a public library. It is a part of the Mid-Continent Public Library system.
Notable Person: Jesse James
Jesse James was born on September 5, 1847, on his family's farm. This farm was located northeast of where Kearney would later be built.
In 1866, James formed a famous group called the James-Younger gang. This gang was active until 1876, when some of its members were caught. Jesse James started a new gang in 1879. He continued his activities until he was shot and killed on April 3, 1882. He was shot by Robert Ford, who was also a member of his gang. Jesse James was first buried on his farm. Today, his remains rest in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kearney.
Images for kids
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NOAA climate information for Kearney, Missouri
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The historic Jesse James's Farm
See also
In Spanish: Kearney (Misuri) para niños
