Median Income
$66,473
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$113,400
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$869
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Atwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,388
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density1,309/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,473
Per Capita$37,402
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$179M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$113,400
Rent$869
Ownership69.9%
Zillow$139,706
Housing Units634
Rent Burden18.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property980/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured5.0%
Smoking17.9%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain22.1 in/yr
Elevation2,853 ft (870 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 13%
Commute9 min
Broadband95.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Atwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Atwood receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Atwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Atwood is $66,473, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Atwood is $113,400, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $869 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Atwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 980 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Atwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.1 inches, including 28.7 inches of snow.
Atwood has a population of 1,388 with a density of 1,309 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 9.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.6% of residents, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,388
Total Population
2023 Census
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.6%
19% above US avg
Spanish
9.1%
32% below US avg
The median household income in Atwood is $66,473, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,402. The average weekly wage is $944, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,473 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,402 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $944 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $90,591 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $179M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,200 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Atwood is $113,400, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,706, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $869 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 634 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,200. 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $113,400 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,706 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $869 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.1% |
| Housing Units | 634 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,200 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
In Atwood, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,549. The dentist ratio is 1:1,264. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Atwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.0% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,549 |
| Dentists | 1:1,264 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,024/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Atwood has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 980 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. Overall, Atwood receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Atwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 979.6/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Atwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 28.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,853 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,853 ft (870 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,309/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8099°N, 101.0419°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rawlins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.1"
42% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.40"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
27 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 5, 2025.
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
74 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
92 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
63 km |
| Apr 1, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Jul 29, 2025 |
16 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
2 km E of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Jul 10, 2025 |
11 km NW of Stockton, Kansas |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
17 km NNE of Collyer, Kansas |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
6 km SE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
7 km SW of Bogue, Kansas |
M2.6 |
123 km |
| Sep 18, 2016 |
12 km NW of Ellis, Kansas |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
91 km |
| Jan 24, 2025 |
1 km SE of Palco, Kansas |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Aug 30, 2022 |
12 km NNE of Damar, Kansas |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Jan 23, 2025 |
5 km E of Palco, Kansas |
M2.6 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
531 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1996 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1995 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1995 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
82 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
ZWEYGARDT |
2,118 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
25 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
63 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Atwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Atwood. 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 Atwood
What is the population of Atwood?
Atwood has a population of 1,388 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,309 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Atwood expensive to live in?
Atwood 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 $66,473, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $113,400 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $869 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Atwood safe?
Atwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 980 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Atwood receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Atwood?
Atwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 22.1 inches, with 28.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Atwood?
The job market in Atwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $944. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Atwood?
The median home value in Atwood is $113,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,706. For renters, the median monthly rent is $869. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,200.
How are the schools in Atwood?
Schools in Atwood score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Atwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Atwood?
The obesity rate in Atwood is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 5.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,549.
What is transportation like in Atwood?
The average commute in Atwood is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Atwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Atwood is 94.8% White, 9.7% Hispanic or Latino. 93.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.