Median Income
$53,963
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,600
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$646
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Smith Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,585
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density1,289/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans10.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,963
Per Capita$32,635
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$221M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,600
Rent$646
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$98,770
Housing Units796
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property1,116/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking17.4%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain26.1 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,807 ft (551 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute10 min
Broadband82.4%
Libraries4
Is Smith Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Smith Center receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Smith Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Smith Center is $53,963, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Smith Center is $84,600, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $646 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x 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
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Smith Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.1 inches, including 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Smith Center has a population of 1,585 with a density of 1,289 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 10.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Smith Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Smith Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Smith Center is $53,963, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,635 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $806, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 164 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Smith Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,963 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,635 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $806 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,026 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 164 |
| County GDP | $221M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,740 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Smith Center is $84,600, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,770, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $646 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 796 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $2,740 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,600 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,770 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $646 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 796 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,740 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.24% |
In Smith Center, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:715. The dentist ratio is 1:1,767. 63.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Smith Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:715 |
| Dentists | 1:1,767 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,337/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Smith Center 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. Overall, Smith Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Smith Center 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
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Smith Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°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 26.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.3 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 1,807 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,807 ft (551 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,289/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7739°N, 98.7835°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Smith County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.1"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.2 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
151 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 |
83 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
58 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
53 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
57 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
54 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
67 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
34 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
55 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
46 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
51 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
59 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
56 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
35 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
665 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 121 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
93 km |
4 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
46 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
35 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
37 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
39 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
39 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
36 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Smith Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 27°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Smith Center. 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 Smith Center
What is the population of Smith Center?
Smith Center has a population of 1,585 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,289 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Smith Center expensive to live in?
Smith Center 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 $53,963, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,600 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $646 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Smith Center safe?
The violent crime rate in Smith Center 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, Smith Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Smith Center?
Smith Center 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 79°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.1 inches, with 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Smith Center?
The job market in Smith Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $806. There are 164 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Smith Center?
The median home value in Smith Center is $84,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,770. For renters, the median monthly rent is $646. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,740.
How are the schools in Smith Center?
Schools in Smith Center score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in Smith Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Smith Center?
The obesity rate in Smith Center is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 63.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:715.
What is transportation like in Smith Center?
The average commute in Smith Center is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Smith Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Smith Center is 93.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 10.6% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
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