Median Income
$64,750
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,000
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
448/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.5%
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Dorrance Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population193
Median Age64.4 yrs
Density568/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,750
Per Capita$39,527
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$357M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,000
Ownership95.6%
Zillow$113,855
Housing Units120
Rent Burden25.1%
Crime
F
Violent448/100K
Property1,388/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain28.1 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,729 ft (527 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.5%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute19 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Dorrance a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dorrance receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Dorrance offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dorrance is $64,750, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dorrance is $101,000, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 448 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,388 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
Education
17.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dorrance experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Dorrance has a population of 193 with a density of 568 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 64.4 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.4% female and 59.6% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.1% of residents, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.4yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.1%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.9%
49% below US avg
The median household income in Dorrance is $64,750, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,527. The average weekly wage is $840, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 312 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,750 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $840 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,725 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 312 |
| County GDP | $357M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,163 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Dorrance is $101,000, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,855, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 120 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $5,163 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,000 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $113,855 |
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 | 95.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.4% |
| Housing Units | 120 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,163 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.11% |
In Dorrance, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,234. The dentist ratio is 1:2,213. 68.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dorrance vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,234 |
| Dentists | 1:2,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,723 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Dorrance has a violent crime rate of 448 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,388 per 100,000, 29% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Dorrance receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dorrance vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 447.8/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,388.3/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dorrance experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°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 28.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,729 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.3°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,729 ft (527 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 568/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8469°N, 98.5900°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Russell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.1"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
211 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 |
83 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
106 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
106 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
106 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
107 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
80 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
736 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 243 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
9 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2015 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
47 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
87 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,987 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLANDS |
7,418 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
76 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
RICE COUNTY |
5,504 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
86 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
81 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
73 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
37 km |
| 2010 |
BIG SALT MARSH |
3,960 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
ROAD 484 |
3,626 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,618 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Dorrance has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 30°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Dorrance. 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 Dorrance
What is the population of Dorrance?
Dorrance has a population of 193 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 568 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.4% female and 59.6% male.
Is Dorrance expensive to live in?
Dorrance 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 $64,750, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,000 (64% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dorrance safe?
The violent crime rate in Dorrance is 448 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 1,388 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dorrance receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dorrance?
Dorrance has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Dorrance?
The job market in Dorrance is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $840. There are 312 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dorrance?
The median home value in Dorrance is $101,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,855. The homeownership rate is 95.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,163.
How are the schools in Dorrance?
Schools in Dorrance score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.5% of adults in Dorrance hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dorrance?
The obesity rate in Dorrance is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 68.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,234.
What is transportation like in Dorrance?
The average commute in Dorrance is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dorrance?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dorrance is 97.9% White. 93.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
