Median Income
$88,171
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$23,600
92% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
162/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.3%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How McDonald Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population190
Median Age69.0 yrs
Density864/mi²
Male / Female35% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,171
Per Capita$33,275
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$179M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$23,600
Ownership85.3%
Zillow$108,728
Housing Units132
Rent Burden16.8%
Crime
F
Violent162/100K
Property972/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking18.6%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain20.8 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation3,367 ft (1,026 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.3%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 13%
Commute12 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is McDonald a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McDonald receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. McDonald offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McDonald is $88,171, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McDonald is $23,600, 92% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in McDonald is below the national average at 162 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 972 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
3.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
McDonald experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.8 inches, including 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
McDonald has a population of 190 with a density of 864 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 69.0 years, 77% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.7% female and 35.3% male. The city is predominantly White (81.1%), with 5.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5% of residents, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 55.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
69.0yrs
Median Age
77% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.5%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.5%
51% below US avg
The median household income in McDonald is $88,171, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,275 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $944, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,171 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,275 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $944 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $90,591 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $179M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,200 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 13.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.2% |
The median home value in McDonald is $23,600, 92% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,728, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 132 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,200. 16.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $23,600 |
| 92% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,728 |
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 | 85.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.7% |
| Housing Units | 132 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,200 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 13.56% |
In McDonald, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,549. The dentist ratio is 1:1,264. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McDonald vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,549 |
| Dentists | 1:1,264 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.1% |
| Dental Visits | 54.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,024/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
McDonald has a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 972 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. Overall, McDonald receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McDonald vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 161.9/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 971.7/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McDonald experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 76°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 20.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.6 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 3,367 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,367 ft (1,026 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 864/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7847°N, 101.3702°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rawlins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.8"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Jul 29, 2025.
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
91 km |
| Jul 29, 2025 |
16 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
17 km NNE of Collyer, Kansas |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
2 km E of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
119 km |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
6 km SE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
7 km SW of Bogue, Kansas |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
7 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| Aug 29, 2024 |
5 km SE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
550 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 36 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1996 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1995 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,777 ac, 1997).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
32 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,535 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
ZWEYGARDT |
2,118 |
53 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
34 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
46 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
65 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
BRADSHAW |
1,255 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,076 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
McDonald has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 30°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in McDonald. 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 McDonald
What is the population of McDonald?
McDonald has a population of 190 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 864 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 69.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.7% female and 35.3% male.
Is McDonald expensive to live in?
McDonald 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 $88,171, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $23,600 (92% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is McDonald safe?
McDonald is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 972 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, McDonald receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McDonald?
McDonald has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.8 inches, with 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in McDonald?
The job market in McDonald is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $944. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 16.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in McDonald?
The median home value in McDonald is $23,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,728. The homeownership rate is 85.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,200.
How are the schools in McDonald?
Schools in McDonald score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.3% of adults in McDonald hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McDonald?
The obesity rate in McDonald is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,549.
What is transportation like in McDonald?
The average commute in McDonald is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of McDonald?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McDonald is 81.1% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino. 93.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 55.2% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
