Kearney, Missouri is located in Clay County about 15 minutes north of Kansas City and has a population of 8,381. Each September, the city hosts an annual festival celebrating its distinction as the birthplace of outlaw Jesse James. The James farm with the original house and Jesse James’s burial site are a popular tourist attraction. The Kearney School District serves about 3,500 families in Kearney and northern Clay County.
Kearney is getting a new splash of life! The iconic water tower along I-35 is being replaced as part of the town’s ongoing growth. Construction on the new tower began in early February 2025, designed to hold more water for both current needs and future development. While there is no set completion date yet, the people of Kearney are excited for the new tower, reflecting the community’s growth and progress.