Median Income
$28,462
62% lower than US avg
Home Value
$21,900
92% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$628
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.4%
137% higher than US avg
How Preston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population127
Median Age60.6 yrs
Density289/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$28,462
Per Capita$20,069
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty29.4%
County GDP$745M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$21,900
Rent$628
Ownership61.8%
Zillow$46,572
Housing Units118
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property3,032/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking15.1%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain27.6 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation1,834 ft (559 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+81.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute14 min
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Preston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Preston receives an overall livability score of 2.6 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, below-average incomes. Preston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Preston is $28,462, 62% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 29.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Preston is $21,900, 92% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $628 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Preston is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,032 per 100,000, 55% above the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Preston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°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 27.6 inches, including 15.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Preston has a population of 127 with a density of 289 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 60.6 years, 56% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.2% female and 52.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%), with 3.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 43.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.6yrs
Median Age
56% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Preston is $28,462, which is 62% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,069 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 384 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,462 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,069 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.4% |
| 137% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 384 |
| County GDP | $745M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,515 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 20.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Preston is $21,900, 92% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $46,572, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $628 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,515 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $21,900 |
| 92% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $46,572 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $628 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.2% |
| Housing Units | 118 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,515 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 20.62% |
In Preston, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 20.4% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,148. The dentist ratio is 1:1,295. 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Preston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,148 |
| Dentists | 1:1,295 |
| Mental Health | 1:908 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,403/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Preston has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,032 per 100,000, 55% above the U.S. average. Overall, Preston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Preston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,031.6/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Preston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°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 27.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.1 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 1,834 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.2°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,834 ft (559 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 289/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7584°N, 98.5578°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pratt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pratt Regional (PTT)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.6"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,974 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 13, 2016 |
18 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M5.1 |
142 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.7 |
141 km |
| Jan 31, 2022 |
7 km NW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
122 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
59 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
145 km |
| Jun 9, 2018 |
8 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
119 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
144 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
142 km |
| May 17, 2019 |
8 km E of Pond Creek, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
143 km |
| Jul 20, 2015 |
7 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
105 km |
| Sep 8, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Jefferson, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
141 km |
| Jul 29, 2014 |
9 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
120 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Jan 26, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| May 13, 2017 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
59 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
97 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, OK |
M4.2 |
144 km |
| Feb 5, 2015 |
8 km NE of Cherokee, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
108 km |
| Sep 15, 1995 |
7 km NNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
795 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 289 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF5 |
90 km |
11 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
47 km |
1 |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2004 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2015 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2012 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2012 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ANDERSON CREEK FIRE (374,523 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ANDERSON CREEK FIRE |
374,523 |
77 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
88,943 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
16,448 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
BURMAC |
10,668 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,987 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
66 km |
| 2008 |
LARKIN |
8,397 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLANDS |
7,418 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
COTTONWOOD COMPLEX |
6,487 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
49 km |
| 2006 |
TWELTH STREET |
6,282 |
87 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,764 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
EWB |
5,706 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
RICE COUNTY |
5,504 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
44 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,168 |
36 km |
| 2020 |
WHEAT STATE |
4,847 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
LAKE CITY |
4,643 |
55 km |
| 2007 |
AETNA FIRE |
4,579 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,566 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Preston has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Preston. 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 Preston
What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of 127 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 289 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.2% female and 52.8% male.
Is Preston expensive to live in?
Preston 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 $28,462, 62% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $21,900 (92% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $628 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Preston safe?
Preston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,032 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Preston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Preston?
Preston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°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 27.6 inches, with 15.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Preston?
Preston has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 384 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Preston?
The median home value in Preston is $21,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $46,572. For renters, the median monthly rent is $628. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,515.
How are the schools in Preston?
Schools in Preston score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Preston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Preston?
The obesity rate in Preston is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,148.
What is transportation like in Preston?
The average commute in Preston is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Preston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Preston is 96.1% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 43.1% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
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