Median Income
$55,750
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$50,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.3%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.4%
48% higher than US avg
How Lorraine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population152
Median Age32.6 yrs
Density608/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans94.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$55,750
Per Capita$23,164
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty18.4%
County GDP$310M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$50,000
Ownership88.9%
Zillow$79,389
Housing Units78
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking14.5%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain30.8 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,791 ft (546 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.3%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+9.7%
School Score6.20
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute20 min
Broadband54.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Lorraine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lorraine receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lorraine offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lorraine is $55,750, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lorraine is $50,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lorraine is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
3.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lorraine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.8 inches, including 16.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Lorraine has a population of 152 with a density of 608 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 32.6 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.6% female and 43.4% male. The city is predominantly White (81.6%), with 18.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 94.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.6yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Lorraine is $55,750, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,164 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 188 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 25.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,750 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,641 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.4% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 188 |
| County GDP | $310M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,583 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 25.7% |
The median home value in Lorraine is $50,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,389, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 78 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $3,583. 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $50,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $79,389 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.1% |
| Housing Units | 78 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,583 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.17% |
In Lorraine, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,168. The dentist ratio is 1:3,178. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lorraine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,168 |
| Dentists | 1:3,178 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,179 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,284/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Lorraine has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Lorraine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Lorraine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 302 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 30.8 inches. The area receives 16.2 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 1,791 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 54.7°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,791 ft (546 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 608/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5690°N, 98.3173°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ellsworth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salina Regional (SLN)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.8"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
312 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 |
120 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
68 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
67 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
149 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
67 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
138 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Jan 4, 2015 |
4 km S of Harper, Kansas |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
117 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
120 km |
| Aug 19, 2016 |
7 km SSW of Cheney, Kansas |
M3.5 |
120 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Jul 5, 2016 |
10 km SSW of Spivey, Kansas |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Mar 20, 2022 |
9 km WNW of Viola, Kansas |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
766 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 326 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2015 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
36 km |
| 2016 |
BURMAC |
10,668 |
78 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,987 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLANDS |
7,418 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
COTTONWOOD COMPLEX |
6,487 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
44 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
TWELTH STREET |
6,282 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
RICE COUNTY |
5,504 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
50 km |
| 2016 |
TAMPA |
4,993 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
WHEAT STATE |
4,847 |
80 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
49 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
52 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
45 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lorraine has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 30°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lorraine. 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 Lorraine
What is the population of Lorraine?
Lorraine has a population of 152 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 608 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.6% female and 43.4% male.
Is Lorraine expensive to live in?
Lorraine 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 $55,750, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $50,000 (82% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lorraine safe?
Lorraine is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Lorraine?
Lorraine has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.8 inches, with 16.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Lorraine?
The unemployment rate in Lorraine is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 188 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 25.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lorraine?
The median home value in Lorraine is $50,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,389. The homeownership rate is 88.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,583.
How are the schools in Lorraine?
Schools in Lorraine score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.3% of adults in Lorraine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lorraine?
The obesity rate in Lorraine is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,168.
What is transportation like in Lorraine?
The average commute in Lorraine is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 25.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lorraine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lorraine is 81.6% White, 18.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 94.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
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