Median Income
$54,026
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$166,400
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
211/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.1%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$778
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.1%
6% higher than US avg
How Scott City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,955
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density1,459/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,026
Per Capita$32,624
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty13.1%
County GDP$551M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$166,400
Rent$778
Ownership47.6%
Zillow$181,582
Housing Units1,766
Rent Burden19.4%
Crime
F
Violent211/100K
Property369/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault211/100K
Burglary26/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured11.9%
Smoking13.8%
Depression20.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,979 ft (908 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.1%
High School+87.3%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute14 min
Broadband76.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Scott City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scott City receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Scott City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scott City is $54,026, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 13.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Scott City is $166,400, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $778 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Scott City is below the national average at 211 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 369 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 87.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Scott City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.2 inches, including 19.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Scott City has a population of 3,955 with a density of 1,459 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (84.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.5% of residents, while 24.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Scott City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.5%
4% below US avg
Spanish
24.5%
83% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Scott City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Scott City is $54,026, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,624 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,004, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 249 business establishments, including 20 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). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Scott City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,026 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,624 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,004 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,572 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 249 |
| County GDP | $551M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,050 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Scott City is $166,400, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,582. Monthly rent averages $778 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $668 for a one-bedroom to $877 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,766 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $6,050 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $166,400 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,582 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $778 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $643 |
| 1 Bedroom | $668 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $877 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,132 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,471 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,766 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,050 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.64% |
In Scott City, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 20.3% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,026. The dentist ratio is 1:2,507. 84.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scott City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 20.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.9% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,026 |
| Dentists | 1:2,507 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,230 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 56.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,353/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Scott City has a violent crime rate of 211 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 210.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 369 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 342, burglary at 26, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Scott City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Scott City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 210.6/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 210.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 368.5/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| Burglary | 26.3/100K |
| Theft | 342.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 26.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Scott City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 326 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 20.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 19.6 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 2,979 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,979 ft (908 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,459/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4789°N, 100.9031°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Garden City Regional (GCK)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.2"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.99"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 5, 2025.
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| May 31, 2025 |
3 km SSE of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Jun 29, 2021 |
Kansas |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Apr 1, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jul 29, 2025 |
16 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Feb 4, 2000 |
15 km S of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
2 km E of Hill City, Kansas |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Apr 2, 1992 |
15 km SSW of Zurich, Kansas |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
17 km NNE of Collyer, Kansas |
M2.7 |
108 km |
| Jan 24, 2025 |
1 km SE of Palco, Kansas |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Jan 23, 2025 |
5 km E of Palco, Kansas |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Sep 18, 2016 |
12 km NW of Ellis, Kansas |
M2.6 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
617 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 72 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1995 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1968 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1967 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1958 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HODGEMAN COUNTY (8,518 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
2017-117 |
3,103 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
65 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
60 km |
| 2023 |
ARMSTRONG |
1,128 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
BARRETT |
1,101 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Scott City has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.0") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Scott City. 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 Scott City
What is the population of Scott City?
Scott City has a population of 3,955 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,459 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Scott City expensive to live in?
Scott City 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 $54,026, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,400 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $778 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Scott City safe?
Scott City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 211 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 369 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Scott City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Scott City?
Scott City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.2 inches, with 19.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Scott City?
The job market in Scott City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,004. There are 249 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scott City?
The median home value in Scott City is $166,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,582. For renters, the median monthly rent is $778. Fair market rent is $668 for a 1-bedroom and $877 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,050.
How are the schools in Scott City?
Schools in Scott City score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.1% of adults in Scott City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scott City?
The obesity rate in Scott City is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 20.3% of residents report depression. 11.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 84.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,026.
What is transportation like in Scott City?
The average commute in Scott City is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scott City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scott City is 84.4% White. 75.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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