Median Income
$39,375
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$29,100
90% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
143/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
29% higher than US avg
How McCracken Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population120
Median Age47.0 yrs
Density120/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans97.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$39,375
Per Capita$24,308
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty16.0%
County GDP$196M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$29,100
Ownership90.9%
Zillow$71,230
Housing Units97
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent143/100K
Property906/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation2,138 ft (652 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute29 min
Broadband66.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries4
Is McCracken a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McCracken receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. McCracken has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McCracken is $39,375, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 16.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McCracken is $29,100, 90% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
McCracken is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 906 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
McCracken experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
McCracken has a population of 120 with a density of 120 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 47.0 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 97.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 42.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.0yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
McCracken 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
McCracken vs U.S. Average
The median household income in McCracken is $39,375, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,308 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 116 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: McCracken vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,375 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,308 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,126 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 116 |
| County GDP | $196M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,333 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 11.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in McCracken is $29,100, 90% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $71,230, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 97 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,333. 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $29,100 |
| 90% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $71,230 |
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 | 90.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.1% |
| Housing Units | 97 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,333 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 11.45% |
In McCracken, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,953. The dentist ratio is 1:2,927. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McCracken vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,953 |
| Dentists | 1:2,927 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.5% |
| Premature Death | 17,778/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
McCracken has a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 906 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, McCracken receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McCracken vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.0/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 905.6/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McCracken experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 297 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,138 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,138 ft (652 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5821°N, 99.5684°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rush County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very 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 Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
78 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 |
72 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
139 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
81 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
70 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
20 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
51 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
48 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
48 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km N of Partridge, Kansas |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
49 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
75 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
781 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
57 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
96 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 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
14 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
18 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
190TH |
3,024 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,008 |
64 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
34 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
SE 226 AND SE E RD |
1,146 |
66 km |
| 1995 |
FISHER CO |
1,036 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
McCracken has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in McCracken. 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 | $804 |
| Toddler | $717 |
| Preschool | $625 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $565 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About McCracken
What is the population of McCracken?
McCracken has a population of 120 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 120 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is McCracken expensive to live in?
McCracken 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 $39,375, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $29,100 (90% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is McCracken safe?
McCracken is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 906 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, McCracken receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McCracken?
McCracken has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in McCracken?
The job market in McCracken is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 116 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in McCracken?
The median home value in McCracken is $29,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $71,230. The homeownership rate is 90.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,333.
How are the schools in McCracken?
Schools in McCracken score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in McCracken hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McCracken?
The obesity rate in McCracken is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,953.
What is transportation like in McCracken?
The average commute in McCracken is 29 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of McCracken?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McCracken is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 97.0% of the population are military veterans. 42.6% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
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