Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$138,200
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
384/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.2%
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.2%
18% lower than US avg
How Dighton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population703
Median Age49.3 yrs
Density808/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans13.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$43,327
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.2%
County GDP$174M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$138,200
Ownership87.0%
Zillow$102,558
Housing Units461
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent384/100K
Property845/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking15.2%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain22.4 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,769 ft (844 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+12.4%
School Score6.22
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 13%
Commute15 min
Broadband72.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Dighton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dighton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Dighton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dighton is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dighton is $138,200, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 845 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dighton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.4 inches, including 22.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Dighton has a population of 703 with a density of 808 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 49.3 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (86.3%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.9% of residents, while 19.1% speak Spanish. 13.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.3yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.9%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.1%
43% above US avg
The median household income in Dighton is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,327 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $905, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 87 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,327 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $905 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,331 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 87 |
| County GDP | $174M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
The median home value in Dighton is $138,200, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $102,558, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 461 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,100 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $138,200 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $102,558 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 87.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.0% |
| Housing Units | 461 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.52% |
In Dighton, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. 68.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dighton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,671/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Dighton has a violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 845 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. Overall, Dighton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dighton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 384.1/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 845.1/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dighton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°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 22.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 22.4 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 2,769 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.0°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,769 ft (844 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 808/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4810°N, 100.4664°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lane County County |
| Nearest Airport | Garden City Regional (GCK)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.4"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
53 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 |
122 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Nov 1, 2002 |
9 km SSW of Natoma, Kansas |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| Sep 8, 2019 |
2 km E of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Jun 29, 2021 |
Kansas |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
695 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 170 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
79 km |
5 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1995 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1990 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NESS/ELLIS COUNTY (14,699 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
48 km |
| 2017 |
2017-117 |
3,103 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
GRASSFIRES 30617 |
1,957 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
44 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
68 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
38 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
SE 226 AND SE E RD |
1,146 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Dighton has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Dighton. 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 Dighton
What is the population of Dighton?
Dighton has a population of 703 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 808 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Dighton expensive to live in?
Dighton 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $138,200 (51% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dighton safe?
The violent crime rate in Dighton is 384 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 845 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dighton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dighton?
Dighton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.4 inches, with 22.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Dighton?
The job market in Dighton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $905. There are 87 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 12.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dighton?
The median home value in Dighton is $138,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $102,558. The homeownership rate is 87.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,100.
How are the schools in Dighton?
Schools in Dighton score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.2% of adults in Dighton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 12.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dighton?
The obesity rate in Dighton is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 68.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Dighton?
The average commute in Dighton is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dighton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dighton is 86.3% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 80.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.1% speak Spanish. 13.5% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
