Median Income
$84,286
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$141,700
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
47/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,123
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lakin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,069
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density2,178/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,286
Per Capita$29,958
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$265M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,700
Rent$1,123
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$188,589
Housing Units811
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent47/100K
Property1,413/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured17.0%
Smoking16.2%
Depression20.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain18.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,005 ft (916 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute20 min
Broadband98.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Lakin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lakin receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Lakin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lakin is $84,286, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Lakin is $141,700, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,123 per month. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lakin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 47 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,413 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lakin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.8 inches, including 19.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Lakin has a population of 2,069 with a density of 2,178 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (69.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.8% of residents, while 24.2% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 82.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.8%
3% below US avg
Spanish
24.2%
81% above US avg
The median household income in Lakin is $84,286, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,958 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $920, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 147 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). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,286 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,958 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $920 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,206 |
| Gini Index | 0.379 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $265M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,533 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Lakin is $141,700, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,589, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,123 (3% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 811 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,533. 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,700 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,589 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,123 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 811 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,533 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Lakin, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 16.6% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.1% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 17.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:778. The dentist ratio is 1:3,855. 64.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lakin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 20.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.1% |
| Uninsured | 17.0% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:778 |
| Dentists | 1:3,855 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,911 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 53.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,023/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Lakin has a violent crime rate of 47 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,413 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lakin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lakin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 47.1/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,413.1/100K |
| 28% 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 |
Lakin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 330 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 18.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 19.4 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 3,005 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 55.7°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,005 ft (916 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,178/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9400°N, 101.2584°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kearny County County |
| Nearest Airport | Garden City Regional (GCK)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.8"
51% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.3 / 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 High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 6, 2016.
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Jan 10, 2003 |
14 km NE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Aug 6, 2016 |
13 km NNE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
598 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 98 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1995 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1968 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1967 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1951 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2021 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2017 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BADGER HOLE |
49,146 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
RABBIT 22 |
10,393 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
52 km |
| 2017 |
2017-117 |
3,103 |
24 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,496 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
ARKALON |
1,229 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
ARMSTRONG |
1,128 |
16 km |
| 2016 |
BARRETT |
1,101 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,052 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Lakin has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 33°F in December to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Lakin. 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 Lakin
What is the population of Lakin?
Lakin has a population of 2,069 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 2,178 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Lakin expensive to live in?
Lakin 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 $84,286, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,700 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,123 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lakin safe?
Lakin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 47 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,413 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lakin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lakin?
Lakin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.8 inches, with 19.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Lakin?
The job market in Lakin is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $920. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lakin?
The median home value in Lakin is $141,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,589. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,123. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,533.
How are the schools in Lakin?
Schools in Lakin score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Lakin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lakin?
The obesity rate in Lakin is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 20.1% of residents report depression. 17.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 64.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:778.
What is transportation like in Lakin?
The average commute in Lakin is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lakin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lakin is 69.2% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 75.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.2% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 82.1% have health insurance coverage.
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