Median Income
$54,615
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,400
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
238/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$773
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Syracuse Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,706
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density416/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,615
Per Capita$27,999
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$423M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,400
Rent$773
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$144,256
Housing Units635
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
F
Violent238/100K
Property1,476/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured18.2%
Smoking14.1%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain17.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,269 ft (996 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+82.9%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score4.90
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute17 min
Broadband90.1%
Libraries1
Is Syracuse a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Syracuse receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Syracuse offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Syracuse is $54,615, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Syracuse is $124,400, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Syracuse is below the national average at 238 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,476 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Syracuse experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.0 inches, including 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Syracuse has a population of 1,706 with a density of 416 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (64.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.2% of residents, while 29.8% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 80.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.2%
11% below US avg
Spanish
29.8%
122% above US avg
The median household income in Syracuse is $54,615, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,999 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 105 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,615 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,999 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,692 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 105 |
| County GDP | $423M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,100 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.4% |
The median home value in Syracuse is $124,400, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,256, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $773 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 635 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $3,100. 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,400 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,256 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $773 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 635 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,100 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Syracuse, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 16.9% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.0% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 18.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,484. The dentist ratio is 1:2,430. 83.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Syracuse vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.8% |
| Uninsured | 18.2% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,484 |
| Dentists | 1:2,430 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,018/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Syracuse has a violent crime rate of 238 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,476 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Syracuse receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Syracuse vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 238.1/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,476.4/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Syracuse experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 330 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 17.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.9 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 3,269 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,269 ft (996 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 416/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9536°N, 101.7968°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hamilton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Colorado Regional (LAA) 49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.0"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.56"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 6, 2020.
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
97 km |
| Jan 2, 1998 |
21 km SE of La Junta, Colorado |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
23 km NNE of Haswell, Colorado |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Jan 10, 2003 |
14 km NE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
80 km |
| Apr 6, 2020 |
14 km WNW of Pritchett, Colorado |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Aug 6, 2016 |
13 km NNE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.5 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
547 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 94 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
29 km |
2 |
| May 29, 2001 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1972 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1968 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1967 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1951 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2005 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2001 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2001 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BADGER HOLE |
49,146 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
TUNNER |
17,774 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
RABBIT 22 |
10,393 |
49 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
SHERIDAN LAKE |
5,310 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
20 km |
| 2017 |
2017-117 |
3,103 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
STEELER |
2,471 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
2,039 |
75 km |
| 2023 |
MANVEL |
2,038 |
57 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,663 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,496 |
51 km |
| 2020 |
COUNTY RD T |
1,371 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,150 |
67 km |
| 2023 |
ARMSTRONG |
1,128 |
32 km |
| 2016 |
BARRETT |
1,101 |
26 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,052 |
46 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,014 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Syracuse has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
What is the population of Syracuse?
Syracuse has a population of 1,706 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 416 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Syracuse expensive to live in?
Syracuse 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 $54,615, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,400 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Syracuse safe?
Syracuse is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 238 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,476 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Syracuse receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Syracuse?
Syracuse has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.0 inches, with 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Syracuse?
The job market in Syracuse is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 105 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 12.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Syracuse?
The median home value in Syracuse is $124,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,256. For renters, the median monthly rent is $773. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,100.
How are the schools in Syracuse?
Schools in Syracuse have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.9% of adults in Syracuse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.9% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Syracuse?
The obesity rate in Syracuse is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 18.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 83.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,484.
What is transportation like in Syracuse?
The average commute in Syracuse is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Syracuse?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Syracuse is 64.5% White. 70.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 29.8% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 80.8% have health insurance coverage.