Median Income
$60,139
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,600
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
154/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$792
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.6%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.7%
10% higher than US avg
How Baxter Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,863
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,226/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,139
Per Capita$24,516
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty13.7%
County GDP$1,092M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,600
Rent$792
Ownership71.8%
Zillow$117,761
Housing Units1,779
Rent Burden21.7%
Crime
F
Violent154/100K
Property2,304/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault102/100K
Burglary512/100K
Health
Obesity46.6%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking23.6%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain46.0 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation853 ft (260 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+86.3%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Baxter Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baxter Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Baxter Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Baxter Springs is $60,139, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.7% 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 Baxter Springs is $87,600, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Baxter Springs is below the national average at 154 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,304 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Baxter Springs enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches, including 7.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Baxter Springs has a population of 3,863 with a density of 1,226 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (89.1%), with 5.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Baxter Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Baxter Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Baxter Springs is $60,139, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,516 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,090, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 416 business establishments, including 33 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). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Baxter Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,139 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,516 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,090 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,821 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.7% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 416 |
| County GDP | $1,092M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 55 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,385 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Baxter Springs is $87,600, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,761, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $792 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,779 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $2,385 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,600 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,761 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $792 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,779 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,385 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Baxter Springs, 46.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 35.6% have high blood pressure. 23.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,782. The dentist ratio is 1:3,818. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Baxter Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.6% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 10.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.6% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.5% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,782 |
| Dentists | 1:3,818 |
| Mental Health | 1:544 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 54.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,090/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Baxter Springs has a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 102.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 51.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,304 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,510, burglary at 512, vehicle theft at 282 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Baxter Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Baxter Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 153.6/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 51.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 102.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,303.6/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| Burglary | 511.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,510.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 281.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Baxter Springs enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 46.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 853 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.3°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 853 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,226/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0200°N, 94.7350°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.0"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
108 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
84 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
682 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 225 fatalities, 2,157 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
13 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
36 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
55 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
25 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
55 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
64 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
49 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
20 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (51,112 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
67 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
14 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,160 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,661 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
BIG CREEK |
2,123 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
84 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
1,996 |
78 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,992 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,888 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,867 |
97 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,774 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
VOLZ FIRE |
1,662 |
100 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Baxter Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Baxter Springs. 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 Baxter Springs
What is the population of Baxter Springs?
Baxter Springs has a population of 3,863 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,226 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Baxter Springs expensive to live in?
Baxter Springs 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 $60,139, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,600 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Baxter Springs safe?
Baxter Springs is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,304 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Baxter Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Baxter Springs?
Baxter Springs enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.0 inches, with 7.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Baxter Springs?
Baxter Springs has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,090. There are 416 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Baxter Springs?
The median home value in Baxter Springs is $87,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,761. For renters, the median monthly rent is $792. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,385.
How are the schools in Baxter Springs?
Schools in Baxter Springs score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.0% of adults in Baxter Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baxter Springs?
The obesity rate in Baxter Springs is 46.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.6% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,782.
What is transportation like in Baxter Springs?
The average commute in Baxter Springs is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Baxter Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baxter Springs is 89.1% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 82.5% have health insurance coverage.
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