Median Income
$63,750
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,900
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
113/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$846
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Effingham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population644
Median Age56.3 yrs
Density1,039/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,750
Per Capita$40,093
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$845M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,900
Rent$846
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$222,923
Housing Units332
Rent Burden14.8%
Crime
F
Violent113/100K
Property1,919/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking17.3%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,137 ft (347 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Effingham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Effingham receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Effingham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Effingham is $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Effingham is $99,900, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $846 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Effingham is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 113 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,919 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Effingham experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches, including 17.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Effingham has a population of 644 with a density of 1,039 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 56.3 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.3yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Effingham vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Effingham vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Effingham is $63,750, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,093. The average weekly wage is $997, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 428 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Effingham vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,750 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,093 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $997 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,080 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 428 |
| County GDP | $845M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 38 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,933 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Effingham is $99,900, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,923, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $846 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 332 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,933. 14.8% 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 | $99,900 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,923 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $846 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 332 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,933 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.94% |
In Effingham, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,030. The dentist ratio is 1:1,239. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Effingham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,030 |
| Dentists | 1:1,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:534 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 38 |
Effingham has a violent crime rate of 113 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,919 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. Overall, Effingham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Effingham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 112.9/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,918.7/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Effingham experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°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 36.4 inches. The area receives 17.0 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 1,137 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,137 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,039/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5229°N, 95.3969°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Atchison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Philip Billard Municipal (TOP)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
8 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
76 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
615 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 930 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
81 km |
16 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OAKS (5,673 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
75 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
70 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,186 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
49 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,408 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,194 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
CRAWFORD |
1,015 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
43 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
1,002 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
67 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.0 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) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Effingham has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Effingham. 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 Effingham
What is the population of Effingham?
Effingham has a population of 644 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,039 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Effingham expensive to live in?
Effingham 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 $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,900 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $846 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Effingham safe?
Effingham is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 113 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,919 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Effingham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Effingham?
Effingham has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches, with 17.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Effingham?
The job market in Effingham is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $997. There are 428 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Effingham?
The median home value in Effingham is $99,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,923. For renters, the median monthly rent is $846. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,933.
How are the schools in Effingham?
Schools in Effingham score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Effingham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Effingham?
The obesity rate in Effingham is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,030.
What is transportation like in Effingham?
The average commute in Effingham is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Effingham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Effingham is 95.2% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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