Lawrence

Lawrence, Kansas Overview

Lawrence scores 56.1/100 overall (B), ranking #9 of 20 cities in Kansas — below the state composite of 59.3. Safety is the city’s relative strength at 91/100, while Outdoor Access lags at 30/100.

Income & Employment in Lawrence

The median household income in Lawrence is $62,608, 10% below the statewide median of $69,747. The local unemployment rate of 3.2% is lower than the state’s 3.3%. Population grew 0.6% recently.

Safety in Lawrence

At 156.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Lawrence sits meaningfully below the Kansas average of 360 — a 129% lower gap. The property crime rate is 781.5 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Lawrence

Lawrence has a cost of living index of 91 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $269,500. Median monthly rent is $1,054. Renters spend 20.2% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Lawrence

The adult obesity rate in Lawrence is 31.5% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 7.9%. Residents report an average of 18.4 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Kansas ranks #29 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Lawrence

Lawrence has a high school graduation rate of 83%. The student-teacher ratio is 17.3:1. Per-pupil spending is $12,176. The city has 18 public schools serving 10,592 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Lawrence

Lawrence enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 57.9°F. Summers average 78.6°F. Winters average 37.4°F. Annual precipitation is 37.6 inches. The average commute of 17.1 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions