Median Income
$72,500
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,300
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.6%
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.3%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Lawrence Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population217
Median Age53.6 yrs
Density517/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans13.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$72,500
Per Capita$45,137
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$384M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,300
Ownership98.1%
Zillow$179,377
Housing Units126
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property3,797/100K
Health
Obesity42.3%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking13.3%
Depression18.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,880 ft (573 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.6%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute30 min
Broadband83.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Lawrence a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lawrence receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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 high obesity rates. Lawrence offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lawrence is $72,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lawrence is $81,300, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lawrence is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,797 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
26.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Lawrence experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 21.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Lawrence has a population of 217 with a density of 517 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 53.6 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 13.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.6yrs
Median Age
38% 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 Lawrence is $72,500, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,137 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $816, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 187 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,500 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,137 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $816 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,626 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 187 |
| County GDP | $384M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,533 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Lawrence is $81,300, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,377, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 126 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,533 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,300 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,377 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 98.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.9% |
| Housing Units | 126 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,533 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.12% |
In Lawrence, 42.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 18.6% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:812. The dentist ratio is 1:1,347. 63.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lawrence vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.3% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 18.6% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:812 |
| Dentists | 1:1,347 |
| Mental Health | 1:819 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,331/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Lawrence has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,797 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 291.2/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,797.4/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lawrence experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 308 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 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,880 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,880 ft (573 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 517/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2902°N, 98.2597°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nuckolls County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.4 / 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
105 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 22, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
35 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
61 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
63 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
66 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
14 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
59 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
60 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
35 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
63 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
61 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
88 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
842 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 514 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
30 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lawrence has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence
What is the population of Lawrence?
Lawrence has a population of 217 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 517 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Lawrence expensive to live in?
Lawrence 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 $72,500, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,300 (71% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lawrence safe?
Lawrence is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,797 per 100,000 (above 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 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 21.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Lawrence?
The job market in Lawrence is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $816. There are 187 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lawrence?
The median home value in Lawrence is $81,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,377. The homeownership rate is 98.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,533.
How are the schools in Lawrence?
Schools in Lawrence score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.6% of adults in Lawrence hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lawrence?
The obesity rate in Lawrence is 42.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 18.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 63.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:812.
What is transportation like in Lawrence?
The average commute in Lawrence is 30 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lawrence?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawrence is 98.2% White. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 13.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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