Median Income
$49,899
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,300
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
104/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.5%
21% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$729
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.3%
64% higher than US avg
How Hill City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,536
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density914/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,899
Per Capita$32,264
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty20.3%
County GDP$186M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,300
Rent$729
Ownership71.3%
Zillow$108,317
Housing Units813
Rent Burden29.5%
Crime
F
Violent104/100K
Property1,426/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain21.5 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,176 ft (663 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.5%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute9 min
Broadband82.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Hill City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hill City receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Hill City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hill City is $49,899, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hill City is $89,300, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $729 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Hill City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,426 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
26.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Hill City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Hill City has a population of 1,536 with a density of 914 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (91%), with 3.8% Hispanic, 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hill City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hill City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hill City is $49,899, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,264 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $865, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 113 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hill City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,899 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,264 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $865 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,419 |
| Gini Index | 0.380 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.3% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 113 |
| County GDP | $186M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Hill City is $89,300, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,317, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $729 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 813 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. 29.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,300 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,317 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $729 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.7% |
| Housing Units | 813 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
In Hill City, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,200. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hill City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,200 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,659/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Hill City has a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,426 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hill City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hill City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 104.3/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,425.6/100K |
| 27% 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 |
Hill City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°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 21.5 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 2,176 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,176 ft (663 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 914/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3687°N, 99.8405°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Graham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.5"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
104 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 |
40 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
10 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
42 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
39 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
77 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
46 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
44 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
72 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
46 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
77 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
37 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
45 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
45 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
594 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 141 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
38 km |
5 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1990 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
34 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 |
76 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
77 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
63 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
39 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
66 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
54 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
63 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
7 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
65 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Hill City has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 30°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Hill City. 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 Hill City
What is the population of Hill City?
Hill City has a population of 1,536 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 914 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Hill City expensive to live in?
Hill City 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 $49,899, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,300 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $729 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hill City safe?
Hill City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,426 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hill City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hill City?
Hill City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Hill City?
Hill City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $865. There are 113 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hill City?
The median home value in Hill City is $89,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,317. For renters, the median monthly rent is $729. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.3%.
How are the schools in Hill City?
Schools in Hill City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.5% of adults in Hill City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hill City?
The obesity rate in Hill City is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,200.
What is transportation like in Hill City?
The average commute in Hill City is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hill City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hill City is 91% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
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