Median Income
$63,676
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,900
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$475
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.2%
94% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Protection Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population504
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density542/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,676
Per Capita$31,576
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$71M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,900
Rent$475
Ownership77.7%
Zillow$80,349
Housing Units304
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking16.2%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain25.3 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation1,847 ft (563 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute19 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Protection a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Protection receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Protection stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Protection is $63,676, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Protection is $55,900, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Protection is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Protection enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.3 inches, including 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Protection has a population of 504 with a density of 542 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Protection vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Protection vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Protection is $63,676, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,576 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $795, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 94 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 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Protection vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,676 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,576 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $795 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,675 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 94 |
| County GDP | $71M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
The median home value in Protection is $55,900, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $80,349, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $475 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 304 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,900 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $80,349 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $475 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.3% |
| Housing Units | 304 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
In Protection, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:835. 44.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Protection vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:835 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,655 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,221/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Protection has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Protection vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
Protection enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 82°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 25.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.1 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 1,847 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 59.3°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,847 ft (563 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 542/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2004°N, 99.4808°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Comanche County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dodge City Regional (DDC)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.3"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,047 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 |
105 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.7 |
103 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
105 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
103 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
104 km |
| Jul 20, 2015 |
7 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
116 km |
| Jun 9, 2018 |
8 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
135 km |
| Jul 29, 2014 |
9 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
137 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
104 km |
| Feb 5, 2015 |
8 km NE of Cherokee, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
114 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, OK |
M4.2 |
104 km |
| May 13, 2017 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
104 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
138 km |
| Jan 18, 2016 |
Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
140 km |
| Sep 15, 1995 |
7 km NNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
79 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
109 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
104 km |
| Feb 13, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
104 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
11 km ENE of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
615 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 110 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF5 |
18 km |
11 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
86 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 |
39 km |
| 2016 |
ANDERSON CREEK FIRE |
374,523 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
88,943 |
52 km |
| 2024 |
CATESBY FIRE |
83,975 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - 283 |
68,558 |
62 km |
| 2016 |
350 COMPLEX |
58,055 |
64 km |
| 2018 |
34 COMPLEX |
57,533 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - SELMAN |
44,767 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
SLAPOUT FIRE |
23,810 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
23,123 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
BOILING SPRINGS FIRE |
20,264 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
217 |
18,293 |
79 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
16,448 |
46 km |
| 2016 |
BUFFALO |
16,160 |
38 km |
| 2022 |
23 AND DD |
8,885 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,750 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
LARKIN |
8,397 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
GAGE FIRE |
7,883 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,815 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,276 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Protection has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 35°F in December to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Protection. 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 Protection
What is the population of Protection?
Protection has a population of 504 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 542 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Protection expensive to live in?
Protection 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 $63,676, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,900 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Protection safe?
Protection is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Protection?
Protection enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.3 inches, with 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Protection?
The job market in Protection is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $795. There are 94 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Protection?
The median home value in Protection is $55,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $80,349. For renters, the median monthly rent is $475. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.7%.
How are the schools in Protection?
Schools in Protection score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Protection hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Protection?
The obesity rate in Protection is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 44.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:835.
What is transportation like in Protection?
The average commute in Protection is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Protection?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Protection is 97.4% White. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
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