Median Income
$68,095
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,600
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
350/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.4%
4% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$589
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.5%
17% higher than US avg
How Bird City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population579
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density255/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,095
Per Capita$28,867
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty14.5%
County GDP$174M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,600
Rent$589
Ownership63.6%
Zillow$146,771
Housing Units259
Rent Burden15.9%
Crime
F
Violent350/100K
Property2,186/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking18.6%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,469 ft (1,057 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.4%
High School+82.0%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 14%
Commute14 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Bird City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bird City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Bird City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bird City is $68,095, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 14.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bird City is $88,600, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $589 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bird City is below the national average at 350 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,186 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
32.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bird City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches, including 19.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Bird City has a population of 579 with a density of 255 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (71.8%), with 4.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.1% of residents, while 13.9% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 84.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bird City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.1%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.9%
4% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Bird City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bird City is $68,095, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,867 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $775, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 137 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bird City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,095 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,867 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $775 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,521 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 137 |
| County GDP | $174M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 14 |
| Retail | 13 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,625 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Bird City is $88,600, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,771, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $589 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 259 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $2,625 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 15.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,600 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $146,771 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $589 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.4% |
| Housing Units | 259 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,625 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.96% |
In Bird City, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 31.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,291. 1.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bird City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.3% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,291 |
| Mental Health | 1:659 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,105/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 14 |
Bird City has a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,186 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. Overall, Bird City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bird City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 349.8/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,186.3/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bird City 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. The area gets 330 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 17.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 19.8 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 3,469 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,469 ft (1,057 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 255/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7495°N, 101.5328°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cheyenne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 5, 2025.
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
17 km NNE of Collyer, Kansas |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
567 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 2000 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,777 ac, 1997).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
18 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,535 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
ZWEYGARDT |
2,118 |
38 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD R |
2,080 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
20 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
60 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
73 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
BRADSHAW |
1,255 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,076 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Bird City has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bird 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 Bird City
What is the population of Bird City?
Bird City has a population of 579 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 255 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Bird City expensive to live in?
Bird 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 $68,095, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,600 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $589 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bird City safe?
Bird City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,186 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bird City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bird City?
Bird City 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. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches, with 19.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Bird City?
The job market in Bird City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $775. There are 137 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bird City?
The median home value in Bird City is $88,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,771. For renters, the median monthly rent is $589. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,625.
How are the schools in Bird City?
Schools in Bird City score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.4% of adults in Bird City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bird City?
The obesity rate in Bird City is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 31.3% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 1.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Bird City?
The average commute in Bird City is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bird City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bird City is 71.8% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 86.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.9% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 84.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
