Median Income
$59,107
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,200
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
210/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.2%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$604
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Kensington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population572
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density1,682/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,107
Per Capita$32,489
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$604M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,200
Rent$604
Ownership90.3%
Zillow$122,174
Housing Units294
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent210/100K
Property315/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking14.9%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,777 ft (542 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score6.34
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute13 min
Broadband98.0%
Libraries6
Is Kensington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kensington receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Kensington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kensington is $59,107, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kensington is $58,200, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $604 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kensington is below the national average at 210 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 315 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Kensington 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 25.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Kensington has a population of 572 with a density of 1,682 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 3.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Kensington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Kensington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Kensington is $59,107, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,489 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $880, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 234 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 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Kensington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,107 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,489 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $880 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,081 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 234 |
| County GDP | $604M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,117 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Kensington is $58,200, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,174, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $604 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 294 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,117. 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,200 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $122,174 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $604 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.7% |
| Housing Units | 294 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,117 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.36% |
In Kensington, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,815. The dentist ratio is 1:2,404. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kensington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,815 |
| Dentists | 1:2,404 |
| Mental Health | 1:476 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,288/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Kensington has a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 315 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kensington receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kensington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 210.2/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 315.3/100K |
| 84% 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 |
Kensington 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 25.7 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 1,777 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,777 ft (542 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,682/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7667°N, 99.0329°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Phillips County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.8 / 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 High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
148 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 |
70 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
78 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
79 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
89 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
88 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
55 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
70 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
32 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
72 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
77 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
93 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
57 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
611 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 58 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1986 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1977 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 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 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
66 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
51 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
17 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
19 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
19 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
19 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
39 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
19 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Kensington has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 26°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Kensington. 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 Kensington
What is the population of Kensington?
Kensington has a population of 572 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,682 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Kensington expensive to live in?
Kensington 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 $59,107, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,200 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $604 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kensington safe?
Kensington is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 315 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kensington receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kensington?
Kensington 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 25.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Kensington?
The job market in Kensington is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $880. There are 234 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kensington?
The median home value in Kensington is $58,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,174. For renters, the median monthly rent is $604. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,117.
How are the schools in Kensington?
Schools in Kensington score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.2% of adults in Kensington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kensington?
The obesity rate in Kensington is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,815.
What is transportation like in Kensington?
The average commute in Kensington is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kensington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kensington is 93% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
