Median Income
$54,695
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,200
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
390/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.4%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$736
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.2%
18% lower than US avg
How Atchison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,795
Median Age29.9 yrs
Density1,346/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,695
Per Capita$25,839
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty10.2%
County GDP$845M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,200
Rent$736
Ownership62.1%
Zillow$163,793
Housing Units4,219
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent390/100K
Property2,664/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault333/100K
Burglary305/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation872 ft (266 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.4%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+11.7%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute19 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Atchison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Atchison receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Atchison offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Atchison is $54,695, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Atchison is $130,200, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,664 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Education
28.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Atchison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches, including 17.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Atchison has a population of 10,795 with a density of 1,346 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age is 29.9 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (83.6%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 6.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.9yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Atchison is $54,695, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,839 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $997, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 428 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,695 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,839 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $997 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,080 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 428 |
| County GDP | $845M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 38 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,933 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Atchison is $130,200, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,793, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $668 for a one-bedroom to $877 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,219 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,933. 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,200 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,793 |
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $80 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.6% |
| Price Drops | 24.1% |
| Inventory | 29 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $736 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,217 |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $631 |
| 1 Bedroom | $668 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $877 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,471 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.9% |
| Housing Units | 4,219 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,933 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Atchison, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 28.2% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,030. The dentist ratio is 1:1,239. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
7.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
8.5
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.4
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
129.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Atchison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,030 |
| Dentists | 1:1,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:534 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 38 |
Atchison has a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 333.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 57.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,664 per 100,000, 36% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,246, burglary at 305, vehicle theft at 114 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Atchison receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Atchison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 390.1/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 57.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 333.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,664.4/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
| Burglary | 304.5/100K |
| Theft | 2,245.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 114.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Atchison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. The area receives 17.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 872 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 872 ft (266 m) |
| Area | 8.3 sq mi (21.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,346/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5626°N, 95.1366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Atchison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
21 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
64 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
632 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 31 fatalities, 930 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
98 km |
16 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OAKS (5,673 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,408 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
CRAWFORD |
1,015 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
62 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
62 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
62 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
59 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Atchison has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Atchison. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Atchison
What is the population of Atchison?
Atchison has a population of 10,795 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,346 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Atchison expensive to live in?
Atchison is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,695, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,200 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Atchison safe?
The violent crime rate in Atchison is 390 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,664 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Atchison receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Atchison?
Atchison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches, with 17.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Atchison?
Atchison has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $997. There are 428 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Atchison?
The median home value in Atchison is $130,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,793. For renters, the median monthly rent is $736. Fair market rent is $668 for a 1-bedroom and $877 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,933.
How are the schools in Atchison?
Schools in Atchison score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.4% of adults in Atchison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Atchison?
The obesity rate in Atchison is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 28.2% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,030.
What is transportation like in Atchison?
The average commute in Atchison is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Atchison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Atchison is 83.6% White, 6.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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