Median Income
$61,111
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$63,100
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
299/100K
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.2%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$964
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.8%
60% higher than US avg
How Otis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population434
Median Age26.9 yrs
Density1,400/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,111
Per Capita$22,811
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty19.8%
County GDP$196M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$63,100
Rent$964
Ownership91.8%
Zillow$69,514
Housing Units126
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent299/100K
Property3,396/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking17.1%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,036 ft (621 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.2%
High School+86.3%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute35 min
Broadband87.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Otis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Otis receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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 an elevated poverty rate, long commute times, high obesity rates. Otis has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Otis is $61,111, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. The poverty rate of 19.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Otis is $63,100, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $964 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Otis is below the national average at 299 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,396 per 100,000, 73% above the national average.
Education
4.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Otis experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Otis has a population of 434 with a density of 1,400 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 26.9 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 10.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.9yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Otis is $61,111, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,811 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.8% 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 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,111 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,811 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,126 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.8% |
| 60% 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 | 5.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Otis is $63,100, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $69,514, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $964 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 126 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,333. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $63,100 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $69,514 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $964 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.2% |
| Housing Units | 126 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,333 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.28% |
In Otis, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Otis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,953 |
| Dentists | 1:2,927 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
| Premature Death | 17,778/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Otis has a violent crime rate of 299 per 100,000 residents, 21% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,396 per 100,000, 73% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Otis receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Otis vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 298.5/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,395.5/100K |
| 73% above 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 |
Otis experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,036 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,036 ft (621 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,400/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5348°N, 99.0535°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rush County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
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
154 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 |
82 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
110 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
109 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
108 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
80 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
50 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
70 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
71 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
767 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 261 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
24 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
90 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF3 |
45 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 |
61 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
69 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,168 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
51 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
65 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
62 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
43 km |
| 2010 |
BIG SALT MARSH |
3,960 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
ROAD 484 |
3,626 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,618 |
66 km |
| 1998 |
EAST BG SALT |
3,521 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Otis has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Otis. 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 Otis
What is the population of Otis?
Otis has a population of 434 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,400 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Otis expensive to live in?
Otis 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 $61,111, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $63,100 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $964 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Otis safe?
Otis is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 299 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,396 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Otis receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Otis?
Otis has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Otis?
The job market in Otis is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / 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 35 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Otis?
The median home value in Otis is $63,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $69,514. For renters, the median monthly rent is $964. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,333.
How are the schools in Otis?
Schools in Otis score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.2% of adults in Otis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Otis?
The obesity rate in Otis is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,953.
What is transportation like in Otis?
The average commute in Otis is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Otis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Otis is 91.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
