Median Income
$36,188
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,700
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
38/100K
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$586
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.0%
67% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
36.2%
192% higher than US avg
How Lawrence Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,186
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density666/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
D
Median Income$36,188
Per Capita$18,885
Unemployment6.0%
Poverty36.2%
County GDP$3,313M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,700
Rent$586
Ownership45.6%
Zillow$233,949
Housing Units393
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent38/100K
Property1,217/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured12.6%
Smoking19.3%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation700 ft (213 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+73.2%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
Is Lawrence a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lawrence receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Lawrence has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lawrence is $36,188, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 36.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lawrence is $106,700, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $586 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lawrence is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,217 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lawrence experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 86.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lawrence has a population of 1,186 with a density of 666 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (67%), with 5.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.3% of residents, while 30.7% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.3%
12% below US avg
Spanish
30.7%
129% above US avg
The median household income in Lawrence is $36,188, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,885 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,643 business establishments, including 164 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,188 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,885 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.0% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 36.2% |
| 192% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,643 |
| County GDP | $3,313M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 123 |
| Retail | 254 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Lawrence is $106,700, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,949, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $586 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 45.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 393 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $6,255 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,700 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,949 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $586 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 45.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 54.4% |
| Housing Units | 393 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.86% |
In Lawrence, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,911. 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lawrence vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 12.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:653 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 123 |
Lawrence has a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents, 90% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,217 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lawrence receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lawrence vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 38.0/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,217.2/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 92 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lawrence experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 86.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 700 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 700 ft (213 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 666/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2150°N, 86.0575°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
52 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
84 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
336 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 148 fatalities, 2,074 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
50 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
23 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
29 km |
5 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
89 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Lawrence has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in February to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Lawrence. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $532 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $710 |
| Preschool | $710 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence
What is the population of Lawrence?
Lawrence has a population of 1,186 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 666 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Lawrence expensive to live in?
Lawrence has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $36,188, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,700 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $586 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lawrence safe?
Lawrence is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,217 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lawrence receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lawrence?
Lawrence has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 86.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lawrence?
The unemployment rate in Lawrence is 6.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $986. There are 1,643 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lawrence?
The median home value in Lawrence is $106,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,949. For renters, the median monthly rent is $586. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 45.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,255.
How are the schools in Lawrence?
Schools in Lawrence score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Lawrence hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.2% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lawrence?
The obesity rate in Lawrence is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 12.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991.
What is transportation like in Lawrence?
The average commute in Lawrence is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lawrence?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawrence is 67% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino. 69.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.7% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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