Bachelor's+
17.5%
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
37.5%
202% higher than US avg
How Severance Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population46
Median Age45.8 yrs
Density329/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$39,761
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty37.5%
County GDP$352M
Commute19 min
Housing
Ownership72.2%
Zillow$159,043
Housing Units35
Rent Burden24.5%
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured15.2%
Smoking15.6%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Elevation947 ft (289 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.5%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Severance a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Severance receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Severance has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 37.5% 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.
Education
17.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Severance experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches, including 21.1 inches of snow.
Severance has a population of 46 with a density of 329 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 45.8 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46
Total Population
2023 Census
45.8yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Severance vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Severance vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $39,761. The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 37.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 234 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Severance vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $39,761 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,094 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 37.5% |
| 202% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 234 |
| County GDP | $352M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,043. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 35 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $2,300 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 72.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.8% |
| Housing Units | 35 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
In Severance, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 15.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,868. 22.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Severance vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.8% |
| Uninsured | 15.2% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,868 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,493 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,807/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Severance experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. The area receives 21.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 947 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 947 ft (289 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 329/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7668°N, 95.2492°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Doniphan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.13"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.3 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
35 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
88 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
590 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 442 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1967 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OAKS (5,673 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
90 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
38 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
37 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
36 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Severance has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 27°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Severance. 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 Severance
What is the population of Severance?
Severance has a population of 46 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 329 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is Severance expensive to live in?
Severance is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100.
What is the weather like in Severance?
Severance has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.8 inches, with 21.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Severance?
The job market in Severance is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 234 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Severance?
Schools in Severance score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.5% of adults in Severance hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Severance?
The obesity rate in Severance is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 15.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 22.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,868.
What is transportation like in Severance?
The average commute in Severance is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Severance?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Severance is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 84.8% have health insurance coverage.