Median Income
$39,453
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,800
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
448/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.8%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$531
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.0%
85% higher than US avg
How Lucas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population449
Median Age53.3 yrs
Density736/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans14.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,453
Per Capita$24,944
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty23.0%
County GDP$148M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,800
Rent$531
Ownership90.0%
Zillow$97,733
Housing Units275
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent448/100K
Property1,388/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking17.0%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,495 ft (456 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.8%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute14 min
Broadband79.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Lucas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lucas receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lucas has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lucas is $39,453, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 23.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lucas is $52,800, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $531 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 448 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,388 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
Education
17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Lucas experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Lucas has a population of 449 with a density of 736 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 53.3 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.1% female and 41.9% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 14.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.3yrs
Median Age
37% 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 Lucas is $39,453, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,944 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 111 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,453 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,944 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,756 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.0% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 111 |
| County GDP | $148M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,200 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Lucas is $52,800, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,733, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $531 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 275 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,200. 18.8% 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 | $52,800 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $97,733 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $531 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.0% |
| Housing Units | 275 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,200 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.06% |
In Lucas, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,451. 45.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lucas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,451 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,460 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,735/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Lucas has a violent crime rate of 448 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,388 per 100,000, 29% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Lucas receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lucas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 447.8/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,388.3/100K |
| 29% below 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 |
Lucas experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 326 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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.6 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 1,495 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.2°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,495 ft (456 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 736/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0587°N, 98.5377°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
215 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 |
79 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
125 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
84 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
83 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
76 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
85 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
734 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 239 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
18 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
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 |
43 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
60 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
44 km |
| 2010 |
BIG SALT MARSH |
3,960 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
ROAD 484 |
3,626 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
EAST BG SALT |
3,521 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,401 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH LAKE |
3,075 |
90 km |
| 2015 |
190TH |
3,024 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
SWITZER G |
3,021 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
43 km |
| 2004 |
H-RX-F HAMILTON ABC |
2,741 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lucas has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 28°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lucas. 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 Lucas
What is the population of Lucas?
Lucas has a population of 449 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 736 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.1% female and 41.9% male.
Is Lucas expensive to live in?
Lucas 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 $39,453, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $52,800 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $531 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 Lucas safe?
The violent crime rate in Lucas is 448 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 1,388 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lucas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lucas?
Lucas has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.6 inches, with 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Lucas?
The job market in Lucas is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 111 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lucas?
The median home value in Lucas is $52,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,733. For renters, the median monthly rent is $531. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,200.
How are the schools in Lucas?
Schools in Lucas score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.8% of adults in Lucas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lucas?
The obesity rate in Lucas is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 45.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,451.
What is transportation like in Lucas?
The average commute in Lucas is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lucas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lucas is 91.3% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 14.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
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