Median Income
$73,542
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$483
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Glen Elder Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population520
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density1,182/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,542
Per Capita$33,128
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$615M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Rent$483
Ownership76.4%
Zillow$150,489
Housing Units348
Rent Burden19.2%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property1,116/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking13.9%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain26.3 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,423 ft (434 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score6.60
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute11 min
Broadband86.5%
Libraries3
Is Glen Elder a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Glen Elder receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Glen Elder offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Glen Elder is $73,542, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $483 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,116 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Glen Elder experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Glen Elder has a population of 520 with a density of 1,182 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Glen Elder 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
Glen Elder vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Glen Elder is $73,542, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,128 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $907, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 275 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 23.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Glen Elder vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,542 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,128 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $907 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,733 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 275 |
| County GDP | $615M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,421 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,489. Monthly rent averages $483 (58% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 348 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $4,421 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $483 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.6% |
| Housing Units | 348 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,421 |
| 26% above US avg |
In Glen Elder, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:958. The dentist ratio is 1:1,435. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Glen Elder vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:958 |
| Dentists | 1:1,435 |
| Mental Health | 1:953 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,731/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Glen Elder has a violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,116 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Glen Elder receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Glen Elder vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.4/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,116.3/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Glen Elder experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°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 26.3 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 1,423 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.8°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,423 ft (434 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,182/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5002°N, 98.3065°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mitchell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salina Regional (SLN) 60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.3"
31% 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 | 29.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
192 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 |
101 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
56 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
30 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
31 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
37 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
30 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
102 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
26 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
32 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
31 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
55 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
700 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 163 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 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 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
50 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,401 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,684 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,394 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
76 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,255 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,134 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Glen Elder has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 27°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Glen Elder. 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 Glen Elder
What is the population of Glen Elder?
Glen Elder has a population of 520 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,182 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Glen Elder expensive to live in?
Glen Elder 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 $73,542, 2% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $483 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Glen Elder safe?
The violent crime rate in Glen Elder is 389 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 1,116 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Glen Elder receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Glen Elder?
Glen Elder has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Glen Elder?
The job market in Glen Elder is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $907. There are 275 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 23.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Glen Elder?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $483. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,421.
How are the schools in Glen Elder?
Schools in Glen Elder score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.9% of adults in Glen Elder hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Glen Elder?
The obesity rate in Glen Elder is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:958.
What is transportation like in Glen Elder?
The average commute in Glen Elder is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Glen Elder?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Glen Elder is 94.8% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.