Median Income
$37,708
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,125
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.4%
106% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Bushong Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population44
Median Age45.6 yrs
Density293/mi²
Male / Female77% / 23%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$37,708
Per Capita$22,670
Unemployment7.4%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$1,975M
Housing
C+
Rent$1,125
Ownership72.7%
Zillow$193,636
Housing Units15
Rent Burden45.0%
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking14.8%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Elevation1,384 ft (422 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Broadband90.9%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Bushong a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bushong receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bushong offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bushong is $37,708, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bushong enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 9.5 inches of snow.
Bushong has a population of 44 with a density of 293 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 45.6 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 22.7% female and 77.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 9.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44
Total Population
2023 Census
45.6yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Bushong is $37,708, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,670 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 878 business establishments, including 106 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,708 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,670 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.4% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 878 |
| County GDP | $1,975M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 106 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 126 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,833 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,636. Monthly rent averages $1,125 (3% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 15 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,833 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,125 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.3% |
| Housing Units | 15 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,833 |
| 38% above US avg |
In Bushong, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,684. The dentist ratio is 1:1,595. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bushong vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,684 |
| Dentists | 1:1,595 |
| Mental Health | 1:255 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,547/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Bushong enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. The area receives 9.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,384 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,384 ft (422 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 293/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6428°N, 96.2567°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Topeka Regional (FOE)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.38"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
82 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
46 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
63 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
70 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 |
4 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
56 km |
| Jul 30, 2019 |
5 km NNE of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
63 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
67 km |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
5 km W of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jul 30, 2019 |
2 km ENE of New Cambria, Kansas |
M3.1 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
582 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 94 fatalities, 1,230 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
43 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
69 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
25 km |
6 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1978 |
EF3 |
76 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
79 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 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
33 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
35 km |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
53 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
23 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
17 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
57 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
37 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
12,241 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
38 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
56 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
72 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
37 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,081 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Bushong has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 30°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Bushong. 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 Bushong
What is the population of Bushong?
Bushong has a population of 44 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 293 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 22.7% female and 77.3% male.
Is Bushong expensive to live in?
Bushong 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 $37,708, 50% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month.
What is the weather like in Bushong?
Bushong enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 9.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bushong?
The unemployment rate in Bushong is 7.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 878 business establishments in the area, including 106 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Bushong?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,125. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,833.
How are the schools in Bushong?
Schools in Bushong score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Bushong hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bushong?
The obesity rate in Bushong is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,684.
What are the demographics of Bushong?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bushong is 95.5% White, 9.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.