Median Income
$50,838
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,300
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
227/100K
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.0%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$743
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Parsons Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,482
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density892/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,838
Per Capita$27,801
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$1,082M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,300
Rent$743
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$78,263
Housing Units4,723
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent227/100K
Property510/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking18.6%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain44.9 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation894 ft (272 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.0%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+10.2%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute11 min
Broadband76.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Parsons a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parsons receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Parsons offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parsons is $50,838, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parsons is $70,300, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Parsons is below the national average at 227 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 510 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
23.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Parsons enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.9 inches, including 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Parsons has a population of 9,482 with a density of 892 people per square mile, spread across 10.6 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (82.7%), with 2.9% Hispanic, 6.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 23.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Parsons is $50,838, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,801 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $918, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 498 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,838 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,801 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $918 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,716 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 498 |
| County GDP | $1,082M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 76 |
| Retail | 77 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,541 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Parsons is $70,300, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $78,263, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 85.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $743 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,723 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,541. 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $70,300 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $78,263 |
| Median List Price | $115,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $115,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $27 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 85.6% |
| Price Drops | 13.6% |
| Inventory | 22 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $743 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 4,723 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,541 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.04% |
In Parsons, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.1% report depression. 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,195. 51.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parsons vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,195 |
| Mental Health | 1:858 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,132/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Parsons has a violent crime rate of 227 per 100,000 residents, 40% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 510 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Parsons receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Parsons vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 226.6/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 509.9/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Parsons enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 44.9 inches. The area receives 7.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 894 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.5°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 894 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 10.6 sq mi (27.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 892/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3340°N, 95.2650°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Labette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.9"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
594 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 214 fatalities, 2,072 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
67 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
39 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
17 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
71 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
40 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (51,112 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
32,901 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
65 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
71 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,678 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
7,331 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
GOBBLER |
7,040 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
TRENTMAN |
6,436 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
6,373 |
65 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
5,691 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
HULAH2 |
5,421 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
18 VALLEY |
5,181 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,671 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
ROBERT |
4,610 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Parsons has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Parsons. 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 Parsons
What is the population of Parsons?
Parsons has a population of 9,482 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 892 people per square mile, spread across 10.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Parsons expensive to live in?
Parsons 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 $50,838, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,300 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Parsons safe?
Parsons is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 227 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 510 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Parsons receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Parsons?
Parsons enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.9 inches, with 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Parsons?
The job market in Parsons is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $918. There are 498 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parsons?
The median home value in Parsons is $70,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $78,263. For renters, the median monthly rent is $743. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,541.
How are the schools in Parsons?
Schools in Parsons score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.0% of adults in Parsons hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 10.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parsons?
The obesity rate in Parsons is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991.
What is transportation like in Parsons?
The average commute in Parsons is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parsons?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parsons is 82.7% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 23.0% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
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