Median Income
$60,799
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,400
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
304/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$796
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Fort Scott Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,551
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density1,353/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,799
Per Capita$31,273
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$749M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,400
Rent$796
Ownership65.1%
Zillow$136,527
Housing Units3,896
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent304/100K
Property1,703/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking18.4%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain44.5 in/yr
Elevation849 ft (259 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score5.18
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute16 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Fort Scott a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Scott receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Fort Scott offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Scott is $60,799, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Scott is $89,400, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $796 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fort Scott is below the national average at 304 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,703 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Scott enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches, including 8.4 inches of snow.
Fort Scott has a population of 7,551 with a density of 1,353 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 3% Hispanic, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
7,551
Total Population
2023 Census
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Scott vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Scott vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Scott is $60,799, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,273 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $824, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 406 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Fort Scott vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,799 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,273 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $824 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,044 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 406 |
| County GDP | $749M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 54 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,640 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.3% |
The median home value in Fort Scott is $89,400, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,527, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $796 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,896 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,640. 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,400 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,527 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $796 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,896 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,640 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.07% |
In Fort Scott, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 30.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387. The dentist ratio is 1:3,623. 53.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Scott vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,387 |
| Dentists | 1:3,623 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,201 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Fort Scott has a violent crime rate of 304 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,703 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Scott receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Scott vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 303.7/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,703.4/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Scott enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. The area receives 8.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 849 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.0°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 849 ft (259 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,353/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.8280°N, 94.7041°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bourbon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.5"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.19"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 4, 2015.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
483 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 252 fatalities, 2,039 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
87 km |
158 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
98 km |
44 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
100 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
57 km |
4 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
62 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
71 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
33 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
34 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,089 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
13 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,823 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
45 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
34 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
60 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
34 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
SALT CREEK MARSH |
720 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
636 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
624 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
515 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Fort Scott has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.2") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Fort Scott. 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 Fort Scott
What is the population of Fort Scott?
Fort Scott has a population of 7,551 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,353 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.2 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Fort Scott expensive to live in?
Fort Scott 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 $60,799, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,400 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $796 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fort Scott safe?
Fort Scott is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 304 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,703 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fort Scott receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Scott?
Fort Scott enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.5 inches, with 8.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Scott?
Fort Scott has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $824. There are 406 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 13.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Scott?
The median home value in Fort Scott is $89,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,527. For renters, the median monthly rent is $796. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,640.
How are the schools in Fort Scott?
Schools in Fort Scott score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Fort Scott hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Scott?
The obesity rate in Fort Scott is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 30.1% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387.
What is transportation like in Fort Scott?
The average commute in Fort Scott is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Scott?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Scott is 90.5% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.