KansasPop. 96,051Smaller cities
Is Lawrence a Good Place to Live? Lawrence, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lawrence ranks #637 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #282 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (90.2, #47 of 524) and low rents ($1,091/mo, #85 of 524), and trails on high poverty (17.4%, #422 of 524) and low graduation rates (83%, #338 of 437).
Lawrence by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lawrence'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 Lawrence?
Lawrence's cost of living index is 90.2, 10% below the US level of 100 and #211 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,091/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $334,684, 34% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Lawrence | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 90.2#211 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $334,684#481 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,479/mo#317 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $292,700#511 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,091/mo#317 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.1%#458 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Lawrence 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. Lawrence is in the Lawrence, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Lawrence safe?
Lawrence recorded 441 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 35% above the US rate of 328 and 3% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #772 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #343 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lawrence Police Department. Property crime runs 1,902 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lawrence | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 441#772 of 1,085 | 457 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,902#666 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Lawrence?
The median household in Lawrence earns $65,009, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lawrence | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $65,009#925 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.4%#1006 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lawrence?
The median resident of Lawrence is 29.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 55.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #184 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lawrence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 29.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 55.8%#184 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 43.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lawrence's schools and health?
Lawrence's 17 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $12,176 spent per pupil. 31.5% of adults are obese and 7.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lawrence | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.9#722 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,176#918 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.5%#502 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.9%#92 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.4%#933 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.5%#449 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,966 students are enrolled in Lawrence's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lawrence?
The average commute in Lawrence is 19.8 minutes (Kansas 20); 2.9% of workers take transit and 15.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lawrence scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.1°F and winters 31.7°F, with 39.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lawrence | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.8 min#327 of 1,312 | 20 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.6% | 76% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.9% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.6% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 15.5% | 10.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.6#729 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 38.3 | 19.4 | 1 |
| Feb | 43.6 | 23 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 54.6 | 33.1 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 64.6 | 43.9 | 4.1 |
| May | 74.1 | 55.9 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 83.9 | 65.3 | 5.7 |
| Jul | 88.6 | 69.8 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 87.3 | 67.6 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 79 | 58.7 | 4 |
| Oct | 67 | 46.6 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 53.5 | 33.9 | 2 |
| Dec | 41.8 | 24.2 | 1.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lawrence.
| Measure | Lawrence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 31.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lawrence.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lawrence?
Douglas County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Douglas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Lawrence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#316 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Douglas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Douglas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0093% | 83% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0012% | 82% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.015% | 73% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0042% | 69% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 31% 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 Lawrence compare with similar-size cities?
Lawrence is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #282 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 96,051.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #637 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 | 19.8 min |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #1074 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 | 23.7 min |
| Orem, UTPop. 97,182 | #440 | 59.2 | $83,342 | $1,438/mo | 134 | 20.1 min |
| Tracy, CAPop. 96,966 | #565 | 57.1 | $121,119 | $2,478/mo | 194 | 42.5 min |
| Yakima, WAPop. 96,961 | #1111 | 47.7 | $62,815 | $1,117/mo | 522 | 17.8 min |
| Edmond, OKPop. 96,825 | #229 | 63.7 | $103,183 | $1,344/mo | 139 | 23.3 min |
| Plantation, FLPop. 96,293 | #491 | 58.2 | $92,541 | $2,240/mo | 166 | 27.6 min |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #1177 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 | 24.1 min |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #419 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data | 30.1 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 Lawrence compare with the rest of Kansas?
Lawrence ranks #11 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 56 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 14% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 3% below the statewide rate. Homes are 34% above 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 Lawrence's score calculated?
Lawrence scores 56 out of 100, #637 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 Lawrence. Similar-size median 55.5.
51.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lawrence's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
65.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lawrence. Similar-size median 58.9.
62.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lawrence's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
47.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lawrence's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
77.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lawrence. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lawrence. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lawrence. Similar-size median 50.0.
61.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lawrence's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
72.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lawrence's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live?
Lawrence ranks #637 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #282 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (90.2, #47 of 524) and low rents ($1,091/mo, #85 of 524), and trails on high poverty (17.4%, #422 of 524) and low graduation rates (83%, #338 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Lawrence?
Lawrence's cost of living index is 90.2, 10% below the US level of 100 and #211 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,091/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $334,684, 34% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Lawrence?
Lawrence recorded 441 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 35% above the US rate of 328 and 3% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #772 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #343 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lawrence Police Department. Property crime runs 1,902 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lawrence?
The median household in Lawrence earns $65,009, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lawrence?
Median rent in Lawrence is $1,091/mo (Census), #317 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,479/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lawrence?
The typical home value in Lawrence is $334,684, up 3.4% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $292,700.
How are the public schools in Lawrence?
Lawrence's 17 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $12,176 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lawrence?
The average commute is 19.8 minutes, #327 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lawrence?
Lawrence averages 54.9°F over the year, 77.1°F in summer and 31.7°F in winter, with 39.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lawrence walkable?
Lawrence scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 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 Lawrence at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Douglas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lawrence?
Douglas County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lawrence?
Lawrence has 96,051 residents. The median resident of Lawrence is 29.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 55.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #184 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lawrence compare with the rest of Kansas?
Lawrence ranks #11 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 56 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 14% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 3% below the statewide rate. Homes are 34% above the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Lawrence?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lawrence's population of 96,051 are Portsmouth, VA (#1074 overall), Orem, UT (#440 overall), Tracy, CA (#565 overall), Yakima, WA (#1111 overall), and Edmond, OK (#229 overall). Lawrence is #637.