Median Income
$39,878
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,000
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$559
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.9%
4% higher than US avg
How Jewell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population409
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density998/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$39,878
Per Capita$25,192
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty12.9%
County GDP$143M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,000
Rent$559
Ownership71.3%
Zillow$84,277
Housing Units211
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property1,116/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking19.3%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain28.3 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,555 ft (474 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 11%
Commute20 min
Broadband86.2%
Libraries5
Is Jewell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jewell receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Jewell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Jewell is $39,878, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jewell is $58,000, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $559 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
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
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Jewell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.3 inches, including 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Jewell has a population of 409 with a density of 998 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 84.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Jewell is $39,878, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,192 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $699, 51% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 110 business establishments, including 7 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). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,878 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,192 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $699 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,670 |
| Gini Index | 0.497 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.9% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 110 |
| County GDP | $143M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Jewell is $58,000, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,277, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $559 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $712 for a one-bedroom to $877 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 211 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 18.1% 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 | $58,000 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $84,277 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $559 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $643 |
| 1 Bedroom | $712 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $877 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,132 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,276 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.7% |
| Housing Units | 211 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Jewell, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 29.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. 4.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jewell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.0% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 54.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,581/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 4.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Jewell 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, Jewell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Jewell 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 |
Jewell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 78°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 28.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.0 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 1,555 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,555 ft (474 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 998/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6716°N, 98.1524°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jewell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salina Regional (SLN) 66 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.3"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.0 / 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 Low |
| 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
188 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 |
121 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
35 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
8 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
8 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
8 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
15 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
21 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
91 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
9 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
11 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
35 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
667 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 240 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
99 km |
4 |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,394 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,134 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Jewell has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 26°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Jewell. 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 Jewell
What is the population of Jewell?
Jewell has a population of 409 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 998 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Jewell expensive to live in?
Jewell 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 $39,878, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,000 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $559 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 Jewell safe?
The violent crime rate in Jewell 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, Jewell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Jewell?
Jewell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.3 inches, with 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Jewell?
The job market in Jewell is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $699. There are 110 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jewell?
The median home value in Jewell is $58,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,277. For renters, the median monthly rent is $559. Fair market rent is $712 for a 1-bedroom and $877 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.3%.
How are the schools in Jewell?
Schools in Jewell score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in Jewell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jewell?
The obesity rate in Jewell is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 29.0% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 4.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Jewell?
The average commute in Jewell is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jewell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jewell is 90.7% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 84.4% have health insurance coverage.