Median Income
$44,688
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$768
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.7%
83% higher than US avg
How Burns Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population299
Median Age26.4 yrs
Density879/mi²
Male / Female58% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$44,688
Per Capita$21,119
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty22.7%
County GDP$147M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Rent$768
Ownership76.3%
Zillow$194,128
Housing Units108
Rent Burden35.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,452/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking17.5%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,497 ft (456 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+74.4%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute33 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Burns a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Burns receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Burns has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Burns is $44,688, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Burns is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $768 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
Burns 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 2,452 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Burns experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Burns has a population of 299 with a density of 879 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 26.4 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.5% female and 57.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.4yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Burns is $44,688, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,119 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $839, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 86 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,688 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,119 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $839 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,959 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 86 |
| County GDP | $147M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Retail | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,900 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Burns is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,128, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $768 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 108 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $4,900 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.5% 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 | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,128 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $768 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.7% |
| Housing Units | 108 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,900 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.54% |
In Burns, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. 65.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Burns vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.4% |
Burns has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,452 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Burns receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Burns vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,451.8/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Burns experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,497 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,497 ft (456 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 879/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.0897°N, 96.8877°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chase County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower Ntl (ICT)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
711 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
95 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
96 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
98 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
129 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
4 km ENE of South Haven, Kansas |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Mar 3, 2015 |
4 km W of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
46 km |
| Dec 16, 2013 |
10 km SE of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Mar 16, 2014 |
3 km WSW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Jun 22, 2017 |
7 km SE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Jun 10, 2017 |
6 km SSE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km NE of Renfrow, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| May 4, 2017 |
3 km NNW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Jun 22, 2020 |
6 km N of Nardin, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
3 km NE of Renfrow, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Aug 9, 2017 |
10 km N of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Apr 28, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Bluff City, Kansas |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 17, 2014 |
8 km NE of Bluff City, Kansas |
M3.6 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
647 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 789 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF5 |
86 km |
17 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF4 |
97 km |
6 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
6 |
| Jun 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1958 |
EF4 |
29 km |
15 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2015 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 2004 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 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 |
44 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
46 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
51 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
26 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
50 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
26 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
50 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
70 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
44 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
12,241 |
43 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
49 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
44 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
47 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
38 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
47 km |
| 2016 |
BURMAC |
10,668 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Burns has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Burns. 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 Burns
What is the population of Burns?
Burns has a population of 299 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 879 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.5% female and 57.5% male.
Is Burns expensive to live in?
Burns 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 $44,688, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $768 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 Burns safe?
Burns 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 2,452 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Burns receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Burns?
Burns has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Burns?
The unemployment rate in Burns is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $839. There are 86 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Burns?
The median home value in Burns is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,128. For renters, the median monthly rent is $768. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,900.
How are the schools in Burns?
Schools in Burns score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.3% of adults in Burns hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.4% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Burns?
The obesity rate in Burns is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 65.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Burns?
The average commute in Burns is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Burns?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Burns is 100% White. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
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