Median Income
$65,982
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,300
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
143/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.8%
12% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$679
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Ness City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,136
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density778/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,982
Per Capita$48,359
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$227M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,300
Rent$679
Ownership82.1%
Zillow$111,879
Housing Units619
Rent Burden15.5%
Crime
F
Violent143/100K
Property906/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking16.2%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain22.6 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,261 ft (689 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.8%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score4.67
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 9%
Commute13 min
Broadband89.8%
Libraries2
Is Ness City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ness City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Ness City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ness City is $65,982, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ness City is $100,300, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $679 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ness City 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
29.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Ness City 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 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.6 inches, including 15.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Ness City has a population of 1,136 with a density of 778 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (82.1%), with 5.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.9% of residents, while 11.1% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ness City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.9%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.1%
17% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ness City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ness City is $65,982, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,359 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $937, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 144 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 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ness City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,982 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,359 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $937 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,985 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 144 |
| County GDP | $227M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,320 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Ness City is $100,300, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,879, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $679 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $668 for a one-bedroom to $877 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 619 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,320. 15.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,300 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $111,879 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $679 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $643 |
| 1 Bedroom | $668 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $877 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,163 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,168 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.9% |
| Housing Units | 619 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,320 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.31% |
In Ness City, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,336. 11.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ness City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,336 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,844/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 11.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Ness City 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 area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ness City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ness City 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
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ness City 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 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 22.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.4 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 2,261 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,261 ft (689 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 778/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4541°N, 99.9047°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ness County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.6"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| 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 Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
65 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 |
94 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
141 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
92 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
94 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
94 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
46 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
68 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
71 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
99 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
768 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 183 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
64 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NESS/ELLIS COUNTY (14,699 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
35 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
48 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
44 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,008 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
GRASSFIRES 30617 |
1,957 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
59 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,538 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
41 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
SE 226 AND SE E RD |
1,146 |
53 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Ness City has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Ness City. 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 Ness City
What is the population of Ness City?
Ness City has a population of 1,136 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 778 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Ness City expensive to live in?
Ness City 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 $65,982, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,300 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $679 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ness City safe?
Ness City 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, Ness City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ness City?
Ness City 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 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.6 inches, with 15.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Ness City?
The job market in Ness City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $937. There are 144 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ness City?
The median home value in Ness City is $100,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,879. For renters, the median monthly rent is $679. Fair market rent is $668 for a 1-bedroom and $877 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,320.
How are the schools in Ness City?
Schools in Ness City have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 29.8% of adults in Ness City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ness City?
The obesity rate in Ness City is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 11.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,336.
What is transportation like in Ness City?
The average commute in Ness City is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ness City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ness City is 82.1% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino. 88.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.1% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
