Median Income
$76,250
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$81,000
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
76% lower than US avg
How Rush Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population226
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density628/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans1.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,250
Per Capita$31,539
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.0%
County GDP$196M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,000
Ownership74.3%
Zillow$95,975
Housing Units104
Rent Burden24.0%
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.3%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Elevation1,991 ft (607 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute29 min
Broadband96.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Rush Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rush Center receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Rush Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rush Center is $76,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rush Center is $81,000, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Rush Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow.
Rush Center has a population of 226 with a density of 628 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 1.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
226
Total Population
2023 Census
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rush Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rush Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rush Center is $76,250, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,539 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 29 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rush Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,250 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,539 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,126 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.0% |
| 76% below 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 | 4.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Rush Center is $81,000, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $95,975, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 104 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,333. 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,000 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $95,975 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.7% |
| Housing Units | 104 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,333 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.11% |
In Rush Center, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% 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: Rush Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,953 |
| Dentists | 1:2,927 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 17,778/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Rush Center 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. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,991 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,991 ft (607 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 628/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4649°N, 99.3108°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rush County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.18"
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
107 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 |
84 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
127 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
119 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
82 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
39 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
65 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
67 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
65 km |
| Apr 14, 2018 |
4 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
824 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 206 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
80 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
79 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 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
36 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
43 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
59 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
86 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,168 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
39 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
79 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
BIG SALT MARSH |
3,960 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
ROAD 484 |
3,626 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,618 |
80 km |
| 1998 |
EAST BG SALT |
3,521 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Rush Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Rush Center. 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 Rush Center
What is the population of Rush Center?
Rush Center has a population of 226 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 628 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Rush Center expensive to live in?
Rush Center 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 $76,250, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,000 (71% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Rush Center?
Rush Center 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. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Rush Center?
The job market in Rush Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 29 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rush Center?
The median home value in Rush Center is $81,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $95,975. The homeownership rate is 74.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,333.
How are the schools in Rush Center?
Schools in Rush Center score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Rush Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rush Center?
The obesity rate in Rush Center is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 7.5% 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 Rush Center?
The average commute in Rush Center is 29 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rush Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rush Center is 97.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 1.1% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.