Median Income
$63,250
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$51,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.6%
333% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Bison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population201
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density744/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$63,250
Per Capita$26,767
Unemployment15.6%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$196M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$51,000
Ownership97.8%
Zillow$66,234
Housing Units122
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property161/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking16.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,016 ft (614 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute19 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Bison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bison receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Bison offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bison is $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. At 15.6%, unemployment is notably high. 11.9% 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 Bison is $51,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bison 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 161 per 100,000, 92% below the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Bison has a population of 201 with a density of 744 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.8% female and 62.2% male. The city is predominantly White (84.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Bison is $63,250, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,767 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 116 business establishments, including 4 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,250 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,767 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,126 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.6% |
| 333% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 116 |
| County GDP | $196M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,333 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Bison is $51,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $66,234, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 122 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,333. 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $51,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $66,234 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.2% |
| Housing Units | 122 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,333 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.54% |
In Bison, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,953. The dentist ratio is 1:2,927. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,953 |
| Dentists | 1:2,927 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
| Premature Death | 17,778/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Bison has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 161 per 100,000, 92% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bison receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Bison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 161.3/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Bison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 326 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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,016 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,016 ft (614 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 744/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5199°N, 99.1979°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rush County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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
128 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
80 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
120 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
120 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
118 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
80 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
78 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
41 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
64 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
783 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 206 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
82 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
39 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
48 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
71 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
79 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,168 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
41 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
74 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
BIG SALT MARSH |
3,960 |
71 km |
| 1991 |
ROAD 484 |
3,626 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,618 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
EAST BG SALT |
3,521 |
71 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Bison has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bison. 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 Bison
What is the population of Bison?
Bison has a population of 201 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 744 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.8% female and 62.2% male.
Is Bison expensive to live in?
Bison 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 $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $51,000 (82% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bison safe?
Bison 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 161 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bison receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bison?
Bison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Bison?
The job market in Bison faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 116 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bison?
The median home value in Bison is $51,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $66,234. The homeownership rate is 97.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,333.
How are the schools in Bison?
Schools in Bison score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Bison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bison?
The obesity rate in Bison is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,953.
What is transportation like in Bison?
The average commute in Bison is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bison is 84.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
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