Median Income
$31,750
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.1%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Dresden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population49
Median Age54.8 yrs
Density54/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$31,750
Per Capita$19,894
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$222M
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Ownership95.7%
Zillow$181,331
Housing Units32
Rent Burden26.3%
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking15.7%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain22.1 in/yr
Elevation2,737 ft (834 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.1%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Broadband73.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Dresden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dresden receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Dresden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dresden is $31,750, 58% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dresden is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
9.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Dresden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.1 inches, including 26.8 inches of snow.
Dresden has a population of 49 with a density of 54 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 54.8 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49
Total Population
2023 Census
54.8yrs
Median Age
41% 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 Dresden is $31,750, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,894 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $737, 49% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 132 business establishments, including 6 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 | $31,750 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,894 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $737 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 132 |
| County GDP | $222M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Dresden is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,331, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 32 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,331 |
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 | 95.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.3% |
| Housing Units | 32 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Dresden, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 17.0% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dresden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,712 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Dresden 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. Annual precipitation totals 22.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,737 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,737 ft (834 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 54/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6228°N, 100.4191°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.1"
42% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.49"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
65 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 |
97 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
96 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
63 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
45 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Nov 1, 2002 |
9 km SSW of Natoma, Kansas |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
545 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 121 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
81 km |
5 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
61 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
47 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
62 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Dresden has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Dresden. 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 Dresden
What is the population of Dresden?
Dresden has a population of 49 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 54 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Dresden expensive to live in?
Dresden 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 $31,750, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Dresden?
Dresden 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. Annual rainfall totals 22.1 inches, with 26.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Dresden?
Dresden has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $737. There are 132 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Dresden?
The median home value in Dresden is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,331. The homeownership rate is 95.7%.
How are the schools in Dresden?
Schools in Dresden score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.1% of adults in Dresden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dresden?
The obesity rate in Dresden is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Dresden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dresden is 85.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.