Median Income
$60,078
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$25,800
91% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Simpson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population149
Median Age28.1 yrs
Density573/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans100.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,078
Per Capita$26,513
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$516M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$25,800
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$82,598
Housing Units56
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property1,116/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking16.9%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease3.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain31.7 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,335 ft (407 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute20 min
Broadband65.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Simpson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Simpson 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. Simpson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Simpson is $60,078, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Simpson is $25,800, 91% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,116 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Simpson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Simpson has a population of 149 with a density of 573 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.1 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.9% female and 69.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.3% of residents, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 100.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.1yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.3%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.7%
43% below US avg
The median household income in Simpson is $60,078, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,513 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $799, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 310 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,078 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,513 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $799 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,416 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 310 |
| County GDP | $516M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,756 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Simpson is $25,800, 91% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,598, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 56 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $2,756 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $25,800 |
| 91% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $82,598 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| Housing Units | 56 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,756 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 10.68% |
In Simpson, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 3.9% of residents, below the national average. 25.0% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,786. The dentist ratio is 1:2,982. 80.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Simpson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 3.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.0% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.3% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,786 |
| Dentists | 1:2,982 |
| Mental Health | 1:443 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,252/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Simpson has a violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,116 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Simpson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Simpson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.4/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,116.3/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Simpson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 302 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 31.7 inches. The area receives 17.6 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 1,335 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 55.0°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,335 ft (407 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 573/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3860°N, 97.9340°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cloud County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salina Regional (SLN) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.7"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
204 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 |
130 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
70 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
45 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
42 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
39 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
54 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
47 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
45 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
657 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 177 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1986 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (14,832 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
7,758 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,159 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
CALFEX COMPLEX |
5,122 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,595 |
100 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,401 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
KILO |
3,242 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
38 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON HILL ROAD |
2,850 |
91 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,684 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,544 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,492 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,083 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,985 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
2017-00000869 |
1,932 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Simpson has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 29°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Simpson. 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 Simpson
What is the population of Simpson?
Simpson has a population of 149 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 573 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 30.9% female and 69.1% male.
Is Simpson expensive to live in?
Simpson 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 $60,078, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $25,800 (91% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Simpson safe?
The violent crime rate in Simpson is 389 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 1,116 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Simpson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Simpson?
Simpson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.7 inches, with 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Simpson?
The job market in Simpson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $799. There are 310 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Simpson?
The median home value in Simpson is $25,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,598. The homeownership rate is 69.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,756.
How are the schools in Simpson?
Schools in Simpson score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Simpson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Simpson?
The obesity rate in Simpson is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 80.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,786.
What is transportation like in Simpson?
The average commute in Simpson is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 97.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Simpson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Simpson is 98% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 92.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 100.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.5% of residents have a disability. 86.3% have health insurance coverage.