Median Income
$81,838
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$242,100
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
45.9%
36% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,020
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.3%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Baldwin City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,881
Median Age29.9 yrs
Density1,649/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans1.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$81,838
Per Capita$35,896
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$7,032M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$242,100
Rent$1,020
Ownership68.6%
Zillow$364,775
Housing Units1,671
Rent Burden33.0%
Health
Obesity30.3%
Uninsured3.9%
Smoking11.3%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain35.6 in/yr
Elevation1,061 ft (323 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+45.9%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+14.3%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 68%
Commute25 min
Broadband95.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Baldwin City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baldwin City receives an overall livability score of 4.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Baldwin City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Baldwin City is $81,838, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Baldwin City is $242,100, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 45.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Baldwin City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches, including 9.2 inches of snow.
Baldwin City has a population of 4,881 with a density of 1,649 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 29.9 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.7%), with 6% Hispanic, 1.3% Black, 4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.1% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 1.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,881
Total Population
2023 Census
29.9yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Baldwin City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.1%
19% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Baldwin City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Baldwin City is $81,838, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,896. The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,726 business establishments, including 335 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 14.0% of workers work from home.
Income: Baldwin City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,838 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,896 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,114 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,726 |
| County GDP | $7,032M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 335 |
| Healthcare | 320 |
| Retail | 347 |
| Manufacturing | 74 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,398 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 14.0% |
The median home value in Baldwin City is $242,100, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $364,775, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $347,500 with homes selling in an average of 39 days. Monthly rent averages $1,020 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,671 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $6,398 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,100 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $364,775 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $347,500 |
| Median List Price | $427,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $347,500 |
| Median List Price | $427,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $172 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 39 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,020 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,671 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,398 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Baldwin City, 30.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 26.0% have high blood pressure. 11.3% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 16.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 3.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,159. The dentist ratio is 1:1,500. 92.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Baldwin City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.3% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.3% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.3% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 3.9% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,159 |
| Dentists | 1:1,500 |
| Mental Health | 1:271 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,185/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 320 |
Baldwin City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches. The area receives 9.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,061 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.2°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,061 ft (323 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,649/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7775°N, 95.1875°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrence Regional (LWC) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.6"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.77"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Sep 25, 2024.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
55 km |
| Sep 25, 2024 |
6 km NE of Cedar Point, Kansas |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Mar 7, 2023 |
14 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Jan 24, 2023 |
Kansas |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Jun 8, 2023 |
14 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Mar 5, 2023 |
15 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| May 2, 2023 |
15 km WNW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Apr 11, 2020 |
13 km E of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
594 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 101 fatalities, 1,355 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
65 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
45 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
45 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
6 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAGSTAFF (16,111 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
ILLINOIS CREEK |
5,008 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,836 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
400 AND ROAD L |
2,393 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,010 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
77 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,408 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
KENNEDY CREEK EAST |
1,207 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,194 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,100 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,097 |
44 km |
| 2008 |
KENNEDY CREEK EAST |
1,091 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
CRAWFORD |
1,015 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Baldwin City has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 29°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Baldwin City. 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 | $804 |
| Toddler | $717 |
| Preschool | $625 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $565 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Baldwin City
What is the population of Baldwin City?
Baldwin City has a population of 4,881 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,649 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 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 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Baldwin City expensive to live in?
Baldwin City 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 $81,838, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $242,100 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Baldwin City?
Baldwin City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.6 inches, with 9.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Baldwin City?
The unemployment rate in Baldwin City is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 3,726 business establishments in the area, including 335 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 14.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Baldwin City?
The median home value in Baldwin City is $242,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $364,775. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $347,500, with homes typically selling within 39 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,020. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,398.
How are the schools in Baldwin City?
Schools in Baldwin City score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 45.9% of adults in Baldwin City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 14.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baldwin City?
The obesity rate in Baldwin City is 30.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.3% of adults are smokers. 16.3% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 3.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,159.
What is transportation like in Baldwin City?
The average commute in Baldwin City is 25 minutes. 70.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Baldwin City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baldwin City is 89.7% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian. 93.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 1.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.