Median Income
$54,718
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,100
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
222/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.1%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$824
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Lawton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,056
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density898/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,718
Per Capita$27,880
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$20,706M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$159,100
Rent$824
Ownership63.0%
Zillow$271,058
Housing Units772
Rent Burden35.0%
Crime
F
Violent222/100K
Property2,668/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault167/100K
Burglary667/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.6%
Depression29.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation793 ft (242 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.1%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 58%
Commute23 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries14
Is Lawton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lawton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $54,718, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lawton is $159,100, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $824 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
Violent crime in Lawton is below the national average at 222 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,668 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Education
19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lawton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lawton has a population of 2,056 with a density of 898 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (87.3%), with 3.7% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.4% of residents, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 23.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.4%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.6%
51% below US avg
The median household income in Lawton is $54,718, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,880 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,264, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,972 business establishments, including 579 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,718 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,880 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,264 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,017 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,972 |
| County GDP | $20,706M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 579 |
| Healthcare | 749 |
| Retail | 848 |
| Manufacturing | 295 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Lawton is $159,100, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,058, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $824 (29% 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. 63.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 772 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $7,471 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.0% 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 | $159,100 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $271,058 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $824 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.0% |
| Housing Units | 772 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.70% |
In Lawton, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 29.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012. The dentist ratio is 1:1,312. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lawton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 29.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,012 |
| Dentists | 1:1,312 |
| Mental Health | 1:184 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 749 |
Lawton has a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 166.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 55.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,668 per 100,000, 36% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,834, burglary at 667, vehicle theft at 167 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 31 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 | 222.4/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 55.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 166.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,668.2/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
| Burglary | 667.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,834.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 166.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lawton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 793 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 793 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 898/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1673°N, 85.8465°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalamazoo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.2"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
35 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
364 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 154 fatalities, 2,195 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
62 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
18 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
5 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 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 |
100 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 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Lawton has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
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) |
$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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $806 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $788 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawton
What is the population of Lawton?
Lawton has a population of 2,056 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 898 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Lawton expensive to live in?
Lawton 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 $54,718, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,100 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $824 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 Lawton safe?
Lawton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,668 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lawton?
Lawton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,264. There are 5,972 business establishments in the area, including 579 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lawton?
The median home value in Lawton is $159,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,058. For renters, the median monthly rent is $824. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,471.
How are the schools in Lawton?
Schools in Lawton score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.1% of adults in Lawton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lawton?
The obesity rate in Lawton is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 29.5% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012.
What is transportation like in Lawton?
The average commute in Lawton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lawton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawton is 87.3% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 93.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 23.4% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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