Median Income
$51,071
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,500
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
114/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.2%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$567
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.1%
30% higher than US avg
How Selden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population287
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density957/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,071
Per Capita$30,278
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty16.1%
County GDP$224M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,500
Rent$567
Ownership74.5%
Zillow$181,331
Housing Units113
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent114/100K
Property398/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain21.8 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,837 ft (865 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.2%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 90% / D 9%
Commute19 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Selden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Selden receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 below-average incomes. Selden has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Selden is $51,071, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 16.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Selden is $92,500, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $567 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Selden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 398 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Selden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.8 inches, including 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Selden has a population of 287 with a density of 957 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below 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 Selden is $51,071, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,278 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $930, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 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 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,071 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,278 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $930 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.494 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.1% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $224M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Selden is $92,500, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,331, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $567 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,025. 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,500 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,331 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $567 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.5% |
| Housing Units | 113 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.35% |
In Selden, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239. The dentist ratio is 1:2,425. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Selden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,239 |
| Dentists | 1:2,425 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,932/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Selden has a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 398 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Selden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Selden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 113.8/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 398.4/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
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 |
Selden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°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 21.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.2 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 2,837 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,837 ft (865 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 957/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5414°N, 100.5672°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.8"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
63 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 |
105 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
70 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
59 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Nov 1, 2002 |
9 km SSW of Natoma, Kansas |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
99 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
574 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 123 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
82 km |
5 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
60 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
62 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
99 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Selden has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Selden. 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 Selden
What is the population of Selden?
Selden has a population of 287 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 957 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Selden expensive to live in?
Selden 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 $51,071, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,500 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $567 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Selden safe?
Selden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 398 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Selden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Selden?
Selden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.8 inches, with 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Selden?
The job market in Selden is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $930. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Selden?
The median home value in Selden is $92,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,331. For renters, the median monthly rent is $567. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,025.
How are the schools in Selden?
Schools in Selden score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.2% of adults in Selden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Selden?
The obesity rate in Selden is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239.
What is transportation like in Selden?
The average commute in Selden is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Selden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Selden is 87.1% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
