Median Income
$59,000
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$66,700
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
214/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.1%
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Denison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population159
Median Age54.1 yrs
Density1,445/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans13.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,000
Per Capita$29,014
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$508M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$66,700
Ownership97.3%
Zillow$153,426
Housing Units84
Rent Burden17.9%
Crime
F
Violent214/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking16.0%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,056 ft (322 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.1%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.41
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute43 min
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Denison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Denison receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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, long commute times. Denison offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Denison is $59,000, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Denison is $66,700, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Denison is below the national average at 214 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Denison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Denison has a population of 159 with a density of 1,445 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 54.1 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.6% female and 38.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.1yrs
Median Age
39% 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 Denison is $59,000, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,014 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $891, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 324 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 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 | $59,000 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,014 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $891 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,805 |
| Gini Index | 0.372 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 324 |
| County GDP | $508M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,724 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Denison is $66,700, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,426, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 84 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,724. 17.9% 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 | $66,700 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $153,426 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $48 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
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 | 97.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.7% |
| Housing Units | 84 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,724 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.58% |
In Denison, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,473. The dentist ratio is 1:1,898. 48.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Denison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,473 |
| Dentists | 1:1,898 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,671 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,798/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Denison has a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Denison receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Denison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 214.5/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,746.3/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Denison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,056 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.5°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,056 ft (322 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,445/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3938°N, 95.6285°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Philip Billard Municipal (TOP)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.5 on May 15, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
4 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
26 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
7 km SW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
6 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Jun 5, 2020 |
8 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Feb 3, 2022 |
6 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M2.5 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
621 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 46 fatalities, 900 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
58 km |
16 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
37 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURLEY HILL (16,381 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,465 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
IMPACT |
7,242 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
MOYER RANCH |
6,641 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
ILLINOIS CREEK |
5,008 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
84 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
43 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
46 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,836 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Denison has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Denison. 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 Denison
What is the population of Denison?
Denison has a population of 159 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,445 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.6% female and 38.4% male.
Is Denison expensive to live in?
Denison 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 $59,000, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $66,700 (76% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Denison safe?
Denison is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Denison receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Denison?
Denison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Denison?
The job market in Denison is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $891. There are 324 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Denison?
The median home value in Denison is $66,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,426. The homeownership rate is 97.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,724.
How are the schools in Denison?
Schools in Denison score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.1% of adults in Denison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Denison?
The obesity rate in Denison is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 48.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,473.
What is transportation like in Denison?
The average commute in Denison is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Denison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Denison is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.5% of the population are military veterans. 35.9% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
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