Median Income
$51,522
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,700
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
478/100K
26% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Seward Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population88
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density338/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans71.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,522
Per Capita$30,981
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$289M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,700
Ownership95.5%
Zillow$193,784
Housing Units54
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent478/100K
Property1,195/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Smoking15.5%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain28.7 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,912 ft (583 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.44
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute19 min
Broadband44.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Seward a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Seward receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Seward offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Seward is $51,522, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% 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 Seward is $91,700, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 478 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,195 per 100,000, 39% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Seward enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches, including 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Seward has a population of 88 with a density of 338 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 65.9% female and 34.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%), with 3.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 71.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 33.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above 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 Seward is $51,522, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,981 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $846, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 174 business establishments, including 10 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). 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,522 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,981 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $846 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,567 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 174 |
| County GDP | $289M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,500 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Seward is $91,700, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,784, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $771 for a one-bedroom to $1,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 54 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $2,500 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% 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 | $91,700 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,784 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $733 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,344 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,505 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.5% |
| Housing Units | 54 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,500 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.73% |
In Seward, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,034. The dentist ratio is 1:3,993. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Seward vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,034 |
| Dentists | 1:3,993 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,955 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,057/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Seward has a violent crime rate of 478 per 100,000 residents, 26% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,195 per 100,000, 39% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Seward receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Seward vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 478.1/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,195.2/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Seward enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 81°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 28.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.1 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 1,912 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.4°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,912 ft (583 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 338/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1778°N, 98.7943°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stafford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pratt Regional (PTT)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.7"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
484 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 |
128 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
74 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
73 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
71 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
127 km |
| Sep 15, 1995 |
7 km NNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
84 km |
| Mar 3, 2015 |
4 km W of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Dec 16, 2013 |
10 km SE of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Mar 6, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Byron, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Jun 22, 2017 |
7 km SE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Nov 2, 2017 |
Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Mar 16, 2014 |
3 km WSW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| May 4, 2017 |
3 km NNW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Jun 10, 2017 |
6 km SSE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km SW of Bluff City, Kansas |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Feb 10, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Anthony, Kansas |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Jun 1, 2017 |
6 km SE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
9 km SE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.6 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
826 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 229 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2015 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (16,448 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
16,448 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
BURMAC |
10,668 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,987 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
35 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
LARKIN |
8,397 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLANDS |
7,418 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
COTTONWOOD COMPLEX |
6,487 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
35 km |
| 2018 |
RICE COUNTY |
5,504 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
37 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,168 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
LAKE CITY |
4,643 |
97 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
25 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
26 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Seward has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Seward. 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 Seward
What is the population of Seward?
Seward has a population of 88 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 338 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 65.9% female and 34.1% male.
Is Seward expensive to live in?
Seward 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 $51,522, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,700 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Seward safe?
The violent crime rate in Seward is 478 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,195 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Seward receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Seward?
Seward enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.7 inches, with 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Seward?
The job market in Seward is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $846. There are 174 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Seward?
The median home value in Seward is $91,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,784. The homeownership rate is 95.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,500.
How are the schools in Seward?
Schools in Seward have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Seward hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Seward?
The obesity rate in Seward is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,034.
What is transportation like in Seward?
The average commute in Seward is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Seward?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Seward is 96.6% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 71.0% of the population are military veterans. 33.3% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
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