Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$67,500
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
448/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$244
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Luray Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population159
Median Age63.6 yrs
Density482/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$32,726
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$184M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$67,500
Rent$244
Ownership87.5%
Zillow$97,733
Housing Units106
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent448/100K
Property1,388/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking16.8%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,590 ft (485 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute14 min
Broadband72.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Luray a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Luray receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Luray offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Luray is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, 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 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Luray is $67,500, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $244 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x 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
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Luray 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.
Luray has a population of 159 with a density of 482 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 63.6 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (84.3%), with 11.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.3% of residents, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 24.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.6yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.3%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.7%
43% below US avg
The median household income in Luray is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,726 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (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 169 business establishments, including 5 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). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,726 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,684 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 169 |
| County GDP | $184M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 50.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Luray is $67,500, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,733, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $244 (79% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 106 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $67,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $97,733 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $244 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.5% |
| Housing Units | 106 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Luray, 40.3% 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. 16.8% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,498. The dentist ratio is 1:1,745. 41.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Luray vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,498 |
| Dentists | 1:1,745 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,142 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,625/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Luray 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. Overall, Luray receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Luray 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 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Luray 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 1,590 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 | 1,590 ft (485 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 482/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1150°N, 98.6922°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osborne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
209 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 |
64 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
136 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
136 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
107 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 |
85 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
83 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
62 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
65 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
716 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 184 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 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 |
30 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
88 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
47 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
86 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
35 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,401 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
39 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH LAKE |
3,075 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
190TH |
3,024 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
57 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,684 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
2017-00000869 |
1,932 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,878 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
40 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) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Luray has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 28°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Luray. 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 Luray
What is the population of Luray?
Luray has a population of 159 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 482 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Luray expensive to live in?
Luray 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 $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $67,500 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $244 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Luray safe?
The violent crime rate in Luray 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, Luray receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Luray?
Luray 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 Luray?
Luray has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 169 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Luray?
The median home value in Luray is $67,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,733. For renters, the median monthly rent is $244. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.5%.
How are the schools in Luray?
Schools in Luray score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Luray hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Luray?
The obesity rate in Luray is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 41.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,498.
What is transportation like in Luray?
The average commute in Luray is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 50.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Luray?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Luray is 84.3% White, 11.9% Hispanic or Latino. 92.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 24.9% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
