Median Income
$63,799
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$169,500
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
79/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,006
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
25% lower than US avg
How Lawson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,742
Median Age31.5 yrs
Density926/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,799
Per Capita$30,039
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty9.3%
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,500
Rent$1,006
Ownership73.4%
Zillow$312,522
Housing Units940
Rent Burden23.1%
Crime
F
Violent79/100K
Property476/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking18.4%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain41.2 in/yr
Elevation1,076 ft (328 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute28 min
Broadband87.7%
EV Stations3
Is Lawson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lawson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lawson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lawson is $63,799, 15% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lawson is $169,500, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,006 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lawson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 79 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 476 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches, including 19.4 inches of snow.
Lawson has a population of 2,742 with a density of 926 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 31.5 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,742
Total Population
2023 Census
31.5yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Lawson is $63,799, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,039 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 12.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,799 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,039 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.3% |
| 25% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.3% |
The median home value in Lawson is $169,500, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $312,522, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $174,500 with homes selling in an average of 43 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,006 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 940 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,500 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $312,522 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $174,500 |
| Median List Price | $255,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $174,500 |
| Median List Price | $255,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $128 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 43 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,006 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.6% |
| Housing Units | 940 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In Lawson, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Lawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
Food & Exercise
Lawson has a violent crime rate of 79 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 476 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. Overall, Lawson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lawson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 79.3/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 476.0/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches. The area receives 19.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,076 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,076 ft (328 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 926/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4383°N, 94.2041°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.2"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.41"
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
510 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 279 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
68 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Lawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 28°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Lawson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawson
What is the population of Lawson?
Lawson has a population of 2,742 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 926 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Lawson expensive to live in?
Lawson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,799, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,500 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,006 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lawson safe?
Lawson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 79 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 476 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lawson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lawson?
Lawson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 41.2 inches, with 19.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lawson?
Lawson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 12.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lawson?
The median home value in Lawson is $169,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $312,522. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $174,500, with homes typically selling within 43 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,006. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.4%.
How are the schools in Lawson?
Schools in Lawson score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Lawson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lawson?
The obesity rate in Lawson is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Lawson?
The average commute in Lawson is 28 minutes. 74.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lawson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawson is 95.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.