Median Income
$75,500
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$127,700
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
380/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$785
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How Plains Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,308
Median Age26.8 yrs
Density1,308/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,500
Per Capita$27,533
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$318M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$127,700
Rent$785
Ownership75.9%
Zillow$132,252
Housing Units503
Rent Burden13.7%
Crime
F
Violent380/100K
Property2,783/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured17.3%
Smoking15.2%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain21.1 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation2,760 ft (841 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+71.0%
Graduate+11.0%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute15 min
Broadband90.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Plains a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plains receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Plains offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plains is $75,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 15.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plains is $127,700, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $785 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Plains is below the national average at 380 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,783 per 100,000, 42% above the national average.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Plains enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches, including 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Plains has a population of 1,308 with a density of 1,308 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 26.8 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (57.1%), with 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 49.4% of residents, while 50.6% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.8yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
49.4%
37% below US avg
Spanish
50.6%
278% above US avg
The median household income in Plains is $75,500, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,533 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 169 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,533 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.521 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 169 |
| County GDP | $318M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,617 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Plains is $127,700, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,252. Monthly rent averages $785 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 503 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,617 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $127,700 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $132,252 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $785 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.1% |
| Housing Units | 503 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,617 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.62% |
In Plains, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 16.5% report binge drinking. 31.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.2% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 17.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,948. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plains vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.3% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 17.3% |
| 101% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,948 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,432/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Plains has a violent crime rate of 380 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,783 per 100,000, 42% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Plains receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Plains vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 380.0/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,783.3/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 323 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 21.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,760 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,760 ft (841 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,308/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2642°N, 100.5898°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Meade County County |
| Nearest Airport | Liberal Mid-America Regional (LBL)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.1"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
50 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2023.
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
124 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Mar 3, 2017 |
11 km S of Freedom, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
26 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| Feb 16, 2018 |
28 km ENE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Jul 21, 2017 |
26 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
28 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Oct 25, 1999 |
2 km WNW of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
95 km |
| Oct 13, 2017 |
7 km W of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Mar 16, 2018 |
22 km NE of Fort Supply, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Oct 25, 2017 |
23 km NE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Jul 24, 2017 |
26 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
27 km ENE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
26 km ENE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Jun 25, 2017 |
6 km N of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Mar 17, 2018 |
22 km NE of Fort Supply, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Jan 6, 2018 |
7 km N of Mooreland, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Jan 25, 2018 |
26 km NW of Freedom, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
612 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 188 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 23, 2019 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Sep 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OKS - STARBUCK (657,299 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
OKS - STARBUCK |
657,299 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - 283 |
68,558 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
SLAPOUT FIRE |
23,810 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
23,123 |
32 km |
| 2020 |
412 FIRE |
22,069 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
BEAVER RIVER FIRE |
20,512 |
59 km |
| 2016 |
BUFFALO |
16,160 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
23 AND DD |
8,885 |
28 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,750 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,815 |
69 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
44 km |
| 1997 |
BUOY LINE |
6,118 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,764 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
OPTIMA |
5,084 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,967 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
MILLER |
3,567 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
MILLER RANCH |
3,563 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
30 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - BEAVER |
3,168 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
2017-117 |
3,103 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Plains has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 34°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Plains. 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 Plains
What is the population of Plains?
Plains has a population of 1,308 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,308 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Plains expensive to live in?
Plains 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 $75,500, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $127,700 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $785 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Plains safe?
Plains is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 380 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,783 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Plains receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Plains?
Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.1 inches, with 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Plains?
The job market in Plains is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 169 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plains?
The median home value in Plains is $127,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,252. For renters, the median monthly rent is $785. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,617.
How are the schools in Plains?
Schools in Plains score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Plains hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.0% have completed high school. 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plains?
The obesity rate in Plains is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 31.3% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 17.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Plains?
The average commute in Plains is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plains?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plains is 57.1% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 49.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 50.6% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
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