Median Income
$38,563
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$49,200
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
396/100K
4% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.4%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.7%
107% higher than US avg
How Lewis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population477
Median Age27.2 yrs
Density1,491/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$38,563
Per Capita$20,710
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty25.7%
County GDP$236M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$49,200
Rent$625
Ownership86.5%
Zillow$97,632
Housing Units217
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent396/100K
Property2,895/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured19.3%
Smoking15.7%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain26.8 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation2,144 ft (653 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.4%
High School+70.3%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute24 min
Broadband63.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Lewis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lewis receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Lewis has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lewis is $38,563, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 25.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lewis is $49,200, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 396 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,895 per 100,000, 48% above the national average.
Education
8.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Lewis enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.8 inches, including 15.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Lewis has a population of 477 with a density of 1,491 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 27.2 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (74.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 68% of residents, while 32% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.2yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
68.0%
13% below US avg
Spanish
32.0%
139% above US avg
The median household income in Lewis is $38,563, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,710 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $902, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 10.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,563 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,710 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $902 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,120 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.7% |
| 107% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $236M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.1% |
The median home value in Lewis is $49,200, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,632, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 217 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $49,200 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $97,632 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.5% |
| Housing Units | 217 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
In Lewis, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 16.5% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.4% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 19.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:2,739. 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lewis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.6% |
| Uninsured | 19.3% |
| 124% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:2,739 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 25,238/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Lewis has a violent crime rate of 396 per 100,000 residents, 4% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,895 per 100,000, 48% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Lewis receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lewis vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 395.8/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,894.6/100K |
| 48% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lewis enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 323 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 26.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,144 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,144 ft (653 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,491/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9370°N, 99.2547°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Edwards County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pratt Regional (PTT)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.8"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
486 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
143 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
113 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
112 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
110 km |
| Sep 15, 1995 |
7 km NNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
129 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
139 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
62 km |
| Mar 3, 2015 |
4 km W of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Mar 6, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Byron, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Feb 3, 2015 |
6 km SSE of Burlington, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Mar 16, 2014 |
3 km WSW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 10, 2017 |
6 km SSE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Nov 2, 2017 |
Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| May 4, 2017 |
3 km NNW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 22, 2017 |
7 km SE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Feb 10, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Anthony, Kansas |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Feb 15, 2015 |
4 km WSW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
9 km SE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.6 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
827 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 166 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF5 |
66 km |
11 |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ANDERSON CREEK FIRE (374,523 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ANDERSON CREEK FIRE |
374,523 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
16,448 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
19 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
LARKIN |
8,397 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,764 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
39 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,168 |
34 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
LAKE CITY |
4,643 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
AETNA FIRE |
4,579 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,566 |
93 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
68 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,967 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lewis has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Lewis. 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 | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis
What is the population of Lewis?
Lewis has a population of 477 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,491 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Lewis expensive to live in?
Lewis 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 $38,563, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $49,200 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lewis safe?
The violent crime rate in Lewis is 396 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,895 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lewis receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lewis?
Lewis enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.8 inches, with 15.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Lewis?
The unemployment rate in Lewis is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $902. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 10.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lewis?
The median home value in Lewis is $49,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,632. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.5%.
How are the schools in Lewis?
Schools in Lewis score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.4% of adults in Lewis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.3% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lewis?
The obesity rate in Lewis is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 19.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Lewis?
The average commute in Lewis is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lewis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lewis is 74.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 68% of residents speak only English at home, while 32% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 80.6% have health insurance coverage.
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