Median Income
$66,731
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$150,700
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
264/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.9%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$736
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Colby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,389
Median Age32.7 yrs
Density1,464/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,731
Per Capita$35,463
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$905M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,700
Rent$736
Ownership69.6%
Zillow$177,700
Housing Units2,444
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent264/100K
Property1,414/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault245/100K
Burglary151/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking14.6%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain20.4 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation3,168 ft (966 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.9%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute10 min
Broadband90.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Colby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colby receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Colby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colby is $66,731, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colby is $150,700, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Colby is below the national average at 264 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,414 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
29.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Colby 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 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches, including 27.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Colby has a population of 5,389 with a density of 1,464 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 32.7 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.8% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.7yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.8%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
The median household income in Colby is $66,731, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,463. The average weekly wage is $922, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 416 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,731 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,463 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $922 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 416 |
| County GDP | $905M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,331 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Colby is $150,700, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,700, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,444 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,331 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,700 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,700 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $736 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,444 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,331 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.87% |
In Colby, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,969. The dentist ratio is 1:1,973. 78.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,969 |
| Dentists | 1:1,973 |
| Mental Health | 1:562 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,679/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Colby has a violent crime rate of 264 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 245.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 18.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,414 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,150, burglary at 151, vehicle theft at 113 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Colby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 263.9/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 18.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 245.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,413.8/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| Burglary | 150.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,149.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 113.1/100K |
| Arson | 18.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colby 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 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 20.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.2 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 3,168 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,168 ft (966 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,464/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3847°N, 101.0451°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Thomas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.4"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.7 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
48 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 |
141 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Sep 8, 2019 |
2 km E of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Jun 29, 2021 |
Kansas |
M2.9 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
596 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1958 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2017 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRY CREEK (4,273 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,535 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
ZWEYGARDT |
2,118 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
71 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
BRADSHAW |
1,255 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,076 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Colby has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Colby. 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 Colby
What is the population of Colby?
Colby has a population of 5,389 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,464 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is Colby expensive to live in?
Colby 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 $66,731, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,700 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colby safe?
Colby is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 264 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,414 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Colby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colby?
Colby 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 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.4 inches, with 27.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Colby?
The job market in Colby is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $922. There are 416 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colby?
The median home value in Colby is $150,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,700. For renters, the median monthly rent is $736. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,331.
How are the schools in Colby?
Schools in Colby score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.9% of adults in Colby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colby?
The obesity rate in Colby is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 78.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,969.
What is transportation like in Colby?
The average commute in Colby is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colby is 91.5% White, 1.8% Black or African American. 91.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
