Median Income
$42,679
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$17,500
94% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.3%
152% higher than US avg
How Lost Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population49
Median Age53.2 yrs
Density223/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans35.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$42,679
Per Capita$16,169
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty31.3%
County GDP$234M
Housing
A+
Home Value$17,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$107,785
Housing Units30
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property2,305/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Smoking17.9%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,489 ft (454 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+68.6%
Graduate+10.4%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Broadband21.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Lost Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lost Springs receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lost Springs has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lost Springs is $42,679, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 31.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lost Springs is $17,500, 94% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lost Springs is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,305 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Lost Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 13.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Lost Springs has a population of 49 with a density of 223 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 53.2 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.3% female and 36.7% male. The city is predominantly White (73.5%), with 24.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 35.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.2yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lost Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lost Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lost Springs is $42,679, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,169 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $770, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 168 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lost Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,679 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,169 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $770 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,992 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.3% |
| 152% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 168 |
| County GDP | $234M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,883 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 22.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 90.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lost Springs is $17,500, 94% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,785, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 30 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,883. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $17,500 |
| 94% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $107,785 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 30 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,883 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 22.19% |
In Lost Springs, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,785. The dentist ratio is 1:5,349. 53.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lost Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,785 |
| Dentists | 1:5,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,333 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,706/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Lost Springs has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,305 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Lost Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lost Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 164.7/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,305.5/100K |
| 18% 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 |
Lost Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 79°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 34.3 inches. The area receives 13.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,489 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.0°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,489 ft (454 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 223/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5666°N, 96.9658°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morris County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salina Regional (SLN)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
144 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
107 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
107 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
110 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
21 km |
| Aug 19, 2016 |
7 km SSW of Cheney, Kansas |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Mar 20, 2022 |
9 km WNW of Viola, Kansas |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
24 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
20 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
96 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
17 km |
| Aug 31, 2017 |
7 km S of Cheney, Kansas |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
53 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
51 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
51 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
23 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 |
4 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.2 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
619 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 50 fatalities, 941 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
99 km |
16 |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1958 |
EF4 |
80 km |
15 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2015 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1978 |
EF3 |
98 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
67 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
37 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
33 km |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
57 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
46 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
55 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
70 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
90 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
12,241 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
68 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
75 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
35 km |
| 2016 |
BURMAC |
10,668 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Lost Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 28°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Lost Springs. 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 Lost Springs
What is the population of Lost Springs?
Lost Springs has a population of 49 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 223 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.3% female and 36.7% male.
Is Lost Springs expensive to live in?
Lost Springs 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 $42,679, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $17,500 (94% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lost Springs safe?
Lost Springs is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,305 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lost Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lost Springs?
Lost Springs 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 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 13.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Lost Springs?
The job market in Lost Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $770. There are 168 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Lost Springs?
The median home value in Lost Springs is $17,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,785. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,883.
How are the schools in Lost Springs?
Schools in Lost Springs score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.6% of adults in Lost Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.6% have completed high school. 10.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lost Springs?
The obesity rate in Lost Springs is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 53.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,785.
What are the demographics of Lost Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lost Springs is 73.5% White, 24.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 35.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
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