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Is Dodge City a Good Place to Live? Dodge City, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dodge City ranks #543 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #101 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (11.6 min, #1 of 208) and affordable homes ($151,700, #21 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182).
Dodge City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dodge City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Dodge City?
Dodge City's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,045/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $208,735, 16% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Dodge City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $208,735#137 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $151,700#85 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,045/mo#258 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.2x#12 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.2%#268 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Dodge City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Dodge City is in the Dodge City, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Dodge City safe?
Dodge City recorded 185 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% below the US rate of 328 and 60% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #320 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #64 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dodge City Police Department. Property crime runs 988 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Dodge City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 185#320 of 1,085 | 457 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 988#210 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Dodge City?
The median household in Dodge City earns $68,721, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Dodge City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $68,721#844 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.6%#836 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Dodge City?
The median resident of Dodge City is 30.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1167 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dodge City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 30.2 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 20%#1167 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 56.6% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Dodge City's schools and health?
Dodge City's 11 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 21.7 students per teacher and $14,558 spent per pupil. 39.6% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Dodge City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 21.7#1009 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,558#639 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 39.6%#1095 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 24.1%#1259 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,181 students are enrolled in Dodge City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Dodge City?
The average commute in Dodge City is 11.6 minutes (Kansas 20); 0% of workers take transit and 1.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dodge City scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.8°F and winters 34.4°F, with 22 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Dodge City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 11.6 min#12 of 1,312 | 20 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.2%#67 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 80.7% | 76% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 1.9% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.9#851 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45.6 | 20.3 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 49.4 | 23 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 59.6 | 31.3 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 68.5 | 40.1 | 2 |
| May | 78.3 | 51.2 | 3 |
| Jun | 88.6 | 61.6 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 93.7 | 66.4 | 3.1 |
| Aug | 91.4 | 64.7 | 3 |
| Sep | 83.8 | 56.2 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 70.8 | 42.9 | 2 |
| Nov | 57.1 | 30.2 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 45.9 | 22 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dodge City.
| Measure | Dodge City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 77.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 34.4°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 22 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dodge City.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dodge City?
Ford County's air had a median air quality index of 28, and 90% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ford County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Dodge City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 28#56 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#411 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Ford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ford County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.022% | 96% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.025% | 93% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0029% | 81% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.002% | 67% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.054% | 15% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Dodge City compare with similar-size cities?
Dodge City is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #101 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 27,613.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge City, KSPop. 27,613 | #543 | 57.4 | $68,721 | $1,045/mo | 185 | 11.6 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #1029 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 | 19.8 min |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #453 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 | 23.8 min |
| Mililani Town, HIPop. 27,668 | #255 | 63.1 | $127,363 | $2,384/mo | no data | 29.9 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 min |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #1298 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 | 19.7 min |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #560 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 | 17.4 min |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #1072 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 | 24 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Dodge City compare with the rest of Kansas?
Dodge City ranks #9 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 57.4 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 9% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Kansas home.
| City | Rank in KS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #1 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #2 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #3 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #4 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #5 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #6 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #7 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #8 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 |
| Dodge City, KSPop. 27,613 | #9 | 57.4 | $68,721 | $1,045/mo | 185 |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #10 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #11 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #12 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #13 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data |
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #14 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #15 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #16 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #17 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #18 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #19 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #20 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 |
All 20 Kansas cities we track, by overall score. Kansas statewide: median income $75,514, violent crime 457.2 per 100,000.
How is Dodge City's score calculated?
Dodge City scores 57.4 out of 100, #543 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Dodge City. Similar-size median 52.9.
55.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Dodge City's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
88.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dodge City. Similar-size median 52.2.
43.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Dodge City's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
48.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Dodge City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
87.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dodge City. Similar-size median 46.7.
43.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Dodge City. Similar-size median 44.2.
38.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dodge City. Similar-size median 47.3.
44.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dodge City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
77.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dodge City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Dodge City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Dodge City
Is Dodge City, KS a good place to live?
Dodge City ranks #543 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #101 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (11.6 min, #1 of 208) and affordable homes ($151,700, #21 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Dodge City?
Dodge City's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,045/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $208,735, 16% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Dodge City?
Dodge City recorded 185 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% below the US rate of 328 and 60% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #320 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #64 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dodge City Police Department. Property crime runs 988 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Dodge City?
The median household in Dodge City earns $68,721, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Dodge City?
Median rent in Dodge City is $1,045/mo (Census), #258 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dodge City?
The typical home value in Dodge City is $208,735, down 2.8% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $151,700.
How are the public schools in Dodge City?
Dodge City's 11 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 21.7 students per teacher and $14,558 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Dodge City?
The average commute is 11.6 minutes, #12 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 2.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dodge City?
Dodge City averages 56°F over the year, 77.8°F in summer and 34.4°F in winter, with 22 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Dodge City walkable?
Dodge City scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Dodge City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ford County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Dodge City?
Ford County's air had a median air quality index of 28, and 90% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Dodge City?
Dodge City has 27,613 residents. The median resident of Dodge City is 30.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1167 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dodge City compare with the rest of Kansas?
Dodge City ranks #9 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 57.4 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 9% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Dodge City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dodge City's population of 27,613 are Williston, ND (#380 overall), Henderson, KY (#1029 overall), Pearl, MS (#453 overall), Mililani Town, HI (#255 overall), and Marshalltown, IA (#761 overall). Dodge City is #543.