Median Income
$90,278
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$246,800
12% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
230/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.2%
19% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$854
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
47% lower than US avg
How Lawton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population906
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density1,258/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,278
Per Capita$37,854
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$7,028M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$246,800
Rent$854
Ownership78.7%
Zillow$334,684
Housing Units410
Rent Burden32.8%
Crime
F
Violent230/100K
Property2,115/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking13.7%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain30.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,177 ft (359 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.2%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+12.1%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Lawton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lawton receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Lawton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lawton is $90,278, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lawton is $246,800, 12% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $854 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
Violent crime in Lawton is below the national average at 230 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,115 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Lawton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°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 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lawton has a population of 906 with a density of 1,258 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Lawton is $90,278, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,854. The average weekly wage is $1,052, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,308 business establishments, including 269 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,278 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,854 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,052 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,517 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,308 |
| County GDP | $7,028M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 269 |
| Healthcare | 311 |
| Retail | 389 |
| Manufacturing | 85 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,875 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Lawton is $246,800, 12% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $334,684, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $854 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 410 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $4,875 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.8% 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 | $246,800 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $334,684 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $140 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $854 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.3% |
| Housing Units | 410 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,875 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.98% |
In Lawton, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 23.7% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,576. The dentist ratio is 1:1,448. 90.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lawton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,576 |
| Dentists | 1:1,448 |
| Mental Health | 1:352 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,159/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 311 |
Lawton has a violent crime rate of 230 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,115 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lawton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lawton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 229.9/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,115.4/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lawton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,177 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,177 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,258/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4770°N, 96.1851°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Woodbury County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.3"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
96 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 218 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
76 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lawton has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lawton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $718 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $485 |
| Toddler | $477 |
| Preschool | $477 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawton
What is the population of Lawton?
Lawton has a population of 906 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,258 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Lawton expensive to live in?
Lawton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $90,278, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $246,800 (12% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $854 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 Lawton safe?
Lawton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 230 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,115 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lawton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lawton?
Lawton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lawton?
The job market in Lawton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,052. There are 3,308 business establishments in the area, including 269 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lawton?
The median home value in Lawton is $246,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $334,684. For renters, the median monthly rent is $854. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,875.
How are the schools in Lawton?
Schools in Lawton score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.2% of adults in Lawton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 12.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lawton?
The obesity rate in Lawton is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,576.
What is transportation like in Lawton?
The average commute in Lawton is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lawton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawton is 97% White. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
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