Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$131,300
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Stark Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population81
Median Age50.1 yrs
Density506/mi²
Male / Female61% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans69.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$26,917
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$788M
Commute73 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,300
Ownership59.4%
Zillow$130,239
Housing Units34
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.2%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain44.7 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,057 ft (322 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+98.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute73 min
Broadband32.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Stark a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stark receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Stark offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stark is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 73 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Stark is $131,300, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Stark is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Stark enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.7 inches, including 9.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Stark has a population of 81 with a density of 506 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 50.1 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.5% female and 60.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 69.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.1yrs
Median Age
29% 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 Stark is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,917 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $891, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 492 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 73 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 26.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,917 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $891 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,526 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 492 |
| County GDP | $788M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,442 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 72.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 26.7% |
The median home value in Stark is $131,300, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,239. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 34 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,442. 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $131,300 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,239 |
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 | 59.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.6% |
| Housing Units | 34 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,442 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.62% |
In Stark, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,578. The dentist ratio is 1:3,121. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Stark vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,578 |
| Dentists | 1:3,121 |
| Mental Health | 1:907 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,635/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Stark has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average.
Crime Rates: Stark vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Stark enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 44.7 inches. The area receives 9.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,057 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,057 ft (322 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 506/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6897°N, 95.1441°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Neosho County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.7"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.51"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0482 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | -0.11 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
499 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 256 fatalities, 2,092 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
86 km |
158 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
90 km |
44 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
77 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
30 km |
4 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
50 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
70 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
57 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (20,760 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,678 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
6,373 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
HAMLITON |
4,729 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
88 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,676 |
94 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,068 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
29 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,952 |
92 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,823 |
60 km |
| 2015 |
VOLZ FIRE |
1,662 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
11 km |
| 2016 |
04-02-1 |
1,357 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,277 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Stark has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Stark. 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 Stark
What is the population of Stark?
Stark has a population of 81 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 506 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.5% female and 60.5% male.
Is Stark expensive to live in?
Stark 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 $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,300 (53% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Stark safe?
Stark is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Stark?
Stark enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.7 inches, with 9.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Stark?
The job market in Stark is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $891. There are 492 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 73 minutes, and 26.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stark?
The median home value in Stark is $131,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,239. The homeownership rate is 59.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,442.
How are the schools in Stark?
Schools in Stark score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Stark hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stark?
The obesity rate in Stark is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,578.
What is transportation like in Stark?
The average commute in Stark is 73 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 26.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stark?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stark is 98.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 69.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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