Median Income
$47,250
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,800
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.3%
5% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$915
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Fowler Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population507
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density1,079/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,250
Per Capita$26,676
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$318M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,800
Rent$915
Ownership58.9%
Zillow$120,850
Housing Units265
Rent Burden26.0%
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured5.1%
Smoking16.4%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain23.0 in/yr
Elevation2,486 ft (758 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.3%
High School+83.0%
Graduate+21.1%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute20 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Fowler a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fowler receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Fowler stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fowler is $47,250, 37% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fowler is $108,800, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $915 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 83.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Fowler experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.0 inches, including 16.9 inches of snow.
Fowler has a population of 507 with a density of 1,079 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (81.1%), with 30.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.6% of residents, while 13.6% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
507
Total Population
2023 Census
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.6%
0% below US avg
Spanish
13.6%
1% above US avg
The median household income in Fowler is $47,250, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,676 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 169 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,250 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,676 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.521 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 169 |
| County GDP | $318M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,617 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Fowler is $108,800, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,850, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $915 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 265 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,617 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,800 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $120,850 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $915 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.1% |
| Housing Units | 265 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,617 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.24% |
In Fowler, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.9% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,948. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fowler vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.1% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,948 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,432/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Fowler experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,486 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,486 ft (758 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,079/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3833°N, 100.1958°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Meade County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dodge City Regional (DDC)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.0"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.67"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
347 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2023.
| Sep 15, 1995 |
7 km NNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
145 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
110 km |
| May 1, 2015 |
8 km NNE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Feb 16, 2018 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Sep 16, 2015 |
9 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
150 km |
| Feb 29, 2016 |
9 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Jun 29, 2017 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 13, 2015 |
5 km N of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
10 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 16, 2015 |
8 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Jun 25, 2016 |
5 km N of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Mar 28, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Apr 10, 2016 |
9 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Feb 16, 2018 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Feb 29, 2016 |
9 km NE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
9 km SW of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Sep 30, 2016 |
5 km NNW of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
662 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 129 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF5 |
66 km |
11 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OKS - STARBUCK (657,299 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
OKS - STARBUCK |
657,299 |
43 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - 283 |
68,558 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
SLAPOUT FIRE |
23,810 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
23,123 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
412 FIRE |
22,069 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
BEAVER RIVER FIRE |
20,512 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
BUFFALO |
16,160 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
23 AND DD |
8,885 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,750 |
26 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,815 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
76 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,764 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,967 |
20 km |
| 2010 |
MILLER |
3,567 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
MILLER RANCH |
3,563 |
43 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,519 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Fowler has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and November the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Fowler. 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 Fowler
What is the population of Fowler?
Fowler has a population of 507 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,079 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Fowler expensive to live in?
Fowler 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 $47,250, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,800 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $915 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fowler?
Fowler has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 23.0 inches, with 16.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fowler?
Fowler has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 169 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fowler?
The median home value in Fowler is $108,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,850. For renters, the median monthly rent is $915. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,617.
How are the schools in Fowler?
Schools in Fowler score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.3% of adults in Fowler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. 21.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fowler?
The obesity rate in Fowler is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 5.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Fowler?
The average commute in Fowler is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fowler?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fowler is 81.1% White, 30.6% Hispanic or Latino. 78.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.6% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.