Median Income
$54,261
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,700
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
187/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$650
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Burden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population548
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density1,054/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,261
Per Capita$23,129
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$1,697M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,700
Rent$650
Ownership77.7%
Zillow$130,829
Housing Units231
Rent Burden40.0%
Crime
F
Violent187/100K
Property3,350/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking19.5%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain40.7 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,378 ft (420 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+85.8%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute30 min
Broadband81.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Burden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Burden receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Burden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Burden is $54,261, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Burden is $61,700, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $650 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Burden is below the national average at 187 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,350 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Burden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°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 40.7 inches, including 9.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Burden has a population of 548 with a density of 1,054 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below 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 Burden is $54,261, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,129 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 782 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,261 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,129 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,558 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 782 |
| County GDP | $1,697M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 108 |
| Retail | 106 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,055 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Burden is $61,700, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,829, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $650 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 231 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $4,055 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,700 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,829 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $650 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.3% |
| Housing Units | 231 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,055 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.57% |
In Burden, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,464. The dentist ratio is 1:1,813. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Burden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,464 |
| Dentists | 1:1,813 |
| Mental Health | 1:579 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,887/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 108 |
Burden has a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,350 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Burden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Burden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.5/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,349.6/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Burden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 32°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 40.7 inches. The area receives 9.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,378 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,378 ft (420 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,054/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3156°N, 96.7554°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cowley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower Ntl (ICT)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.7"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3,613 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Sep 3, 2016 |
14 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma |
M5.8 |
100 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
8 km NNE of Marshall, Oklahoma |
M4.6 |
142 km |
| Apr 7, 2018 |
5 km WNW of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.6 |
133 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
133 km |
| Jan 31, 2022 |
7 km NW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
106 km |
| Jun 9, 2018 |
8 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
131 km |
| Jul 20, 2015 |
7 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
143 km |
| May 17, 2019 |
8 km E of Pond Creek, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
111 km |
| Jul 29, 2014 |
9 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
130 km |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
6 km ESE of Covington, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
133 km |
| Sep 8, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Jefferson, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
107 km |
| Mar 5, 2018 |
5 km NNW of Breckinridge, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
128 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
134 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
5 km W of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Jan 26, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
99 km |
| Feb 5, 2021 |
5 km WNW of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Mar 4, 2018 |
4 km N of Breckinridge, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
128 km |
| Jan 27, 2015 |
3 km SE of Perry, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Feb 5, 2015 |
8 km NE of Cherokee, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
687 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 144 fatalities, 1,255 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF5 |
66 km |
17 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF5 |
60 km |
80 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF5 |
81 km |
20 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF4 |
57 km |
6 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1958 |
EF4 |
64 km |
15 |
| Apr 2, 1956 |
EF4 |
58 km |
2 |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2004 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
56 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
36,112 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
32,901 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
96 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
71 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
20,347 |
50 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
RESERVE |
19,016 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
WEST 60 |
18,715 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
80 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 123 |
14,980 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
77 km |
| 2014 |
SPIDER |
14,587 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
28 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Burden has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Burden. 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 Burden
What is the population of Burden?
Burden has a population of 548 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,054 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Burden expensive to live in?
Burden 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 $54,261, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,700 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $650 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Burden safe?
Burden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,350 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Burden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Burden?
Burden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°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 40.7 inches, with 9.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Burden?
The job market in Burden is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 782 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Burden?
The median home value in Burden is $61,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,829. For renters, the median monthly rent is $650. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,055.
How are the schools in Burden?
Schools in Burden score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.3% of adults in Burden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Burden?
The obesity rate in Burden is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,464.
What is transportation like in Burden?
The average commute in Burden is 30 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Burden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Burden is 88.9% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
