Median Income
$88,214
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$110,700
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.5%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$937
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lowell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population304
Median Age55.1 yrs
Density981/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$88,214
Per Capita$35,032
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,092M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,700
Rent$937
Ownership54.8%
Zillow$165,179
Housing Units151
Rent Burden15.2%
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking16.4%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Elevation831 ft (253 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.5%
High School+81.1%
Graduate+14.9%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute18 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Lowell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lowell receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lowell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lowell is $88,214, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lowell is $110,700, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $937 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.
Education
7.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lowell enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 7.2 inches of snow.
Lowell has a population of 304 with a density of 981 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 55.1 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
304
Total Population
2023 Census
55.1yrs
Median Age
42% above 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 Lowell is $88,214, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,032. The average weekly wage is $1,090, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 416 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,214 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,032 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,090 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,821 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 416 |
| County GDP | $1,092M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 55 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,385 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Lowell is $110,700, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,179, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $937 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 151 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $2,385 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 15.2% 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 | $110,700 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,179 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $937 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.2% |
| Housing Units | 151 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,385 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Lowell, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,782. The dentist ratio is 1:3,818. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lowell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,782 |
| Dentists | 1:3,818 |
| Mental Health | 1:544 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,090/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Lowell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches. The area receives 7.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 831 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.1°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 831 ft (253 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 981/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0513°N, 94.7027°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.6"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.56"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
101 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
86 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
668 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 224 fatalities, 2,148 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
10 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
39 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
54 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
27 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
50 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
47 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
22 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
60 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOLF CREEK (18,077 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
71 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
16 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,160 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,661 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
BIG CREEK |
2,123 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
81 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
1,996 |
82 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,992 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
96 km |
| 2013 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,888 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,867 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,774 |
82 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
87 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
34 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
6.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Lowell has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.6") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Lowell. 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 Lowell
What is the population of Lowell?
Lowell has a population of 304 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 981 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Lowell expensive to live in?
Lowell 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 $88,214, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,700 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $937 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.
What is the weather like in Lowell?
Lowell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 7.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lowell?
Lowell has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,090. There are 416 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lowell?
The median home value in Lowell is $110,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,179. For renters, the median monthly rent is $937. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,385.
How are the schools in Lowell?
Schools in Lowell score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.5% of adults in Lowell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. 14.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lowell?
The obesity rate in Lowell is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,782.
What is transportation like in Lowell?
The average commute in Lowell is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lowell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lowell is 92.4% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.