Median Income
$63,765
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,100
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
263/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$692
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Ulysses Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,812
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density1,799/mi²
Male / Female58% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 62%
Veterans2.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,765
Per Capita$37,846
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$642M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,100
Rent$692
Ownership71.4%
Zillow$149,573
Housing Units2,152
Rent Burden16.7%
Crime
F
Violent263/100K
Property631/100K
Murder17.5/100K
Assault245/100K
Burglary175/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured19.2%
Smoking13.2%
Depression17.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain17.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,054 ft (931 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+79.3%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score4.41
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute31 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Ulysses a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ulysses 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. Ulysses offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ulysses is $63,765, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ulysses is $123,100, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ulysses is below the national average at 263 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 631 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Ulysses experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°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 17.8 inches, including 17.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Ulysses has a population of 5,812 with a density of 1,799 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.5% female and 57.5% male. The city is predominantly White (62.2%), with 7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 59.8% of residents, while 40.2% speak Spanish. 2.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 86.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
59.8%
24% below US avg
Spanish
40.2%
200% above US avg
The median household income in Ulysses is $63,765, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,846. The average weekly wage is $969, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 228 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,765 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,846 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $969 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 228 |
| County GDP | $642M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Ulysses is $123,100, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,573, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $692 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,152 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,400. 16.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,100 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,573 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $692 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,152 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In Ulysses, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 30.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.9% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 19.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,441. The dentist ratio is 1:1,799. 83.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ulysses vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 17.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.0% |
| Uninsured | 19.2% |
| 123% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,441 |
| Dentists | 1:1,799 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,429 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,300/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Ulysses has a violent crime rate of 263 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 245.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 17.5 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 631 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 438, burglary at 175, vehicle theft at 18 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ulysses receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ulysses vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 262.7/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| Murder | 17.5/100K |
| 178% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 245.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 630.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| Burglary | 175.2/100K |
| Theft | 437.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 17.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ulysses experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°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 17.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.8 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 3,054 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.0°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,054 ft (931 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,799/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5773°N, 101.3549°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Garden City Regional (GCK)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.8"
53% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| 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: M2.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 6, 2020.
| Jan 10, 2003 |
14 km NE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Apr 6, 2020 |
14 km WNW of Pritchett, Colorado |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Mar 25, 2016 |
Texas Panhandle region |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Aug 6, 2016 |
13 km NNE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
536 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 104 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1995 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1972 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1968 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1967 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1951 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2021 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BADGER HOLE |
49,146 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
TUNNER |
17,774 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
RABBIT 22 |
10,393 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
23 AND DD |
8,885 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,750 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
COBB FIRE |
7,142 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
32 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
63 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
46 km |
| 2017 |
2017-117 |
3,103 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
STEELER |
2,471 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,496 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
SECOND STREET |
1,293 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
ARKALON |
1,229 |
68 km |
| 2019 |
CLAUSON FIRE |
1,188 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,150 |
77 km |
| 2023 |
ARMSTRONG |
1,128 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
BARRETT |
1,101 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,052 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Ulysses has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 31°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.7") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Ulysses. 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 Ulysses
What is the population of Ulysses?
Ulysses has a population of 5,812 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,799 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.5% female and 57.5% male.
Is Ulysses expensive to live in?
Ulysses 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 $63,765, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,100 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ulysses safe?
Ulysses is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 263 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 631 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ulysses receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ulysses?
Ulysses has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°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 17.8 inches, with 17.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Ulysses?
The job market in Ulysses is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $969. There are 228 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ulysses?
The median home value in Ulysses is $123,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,573. For renters, the median monthly rent is $692. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,400.
How are the schools in Ulysses?
Schools in Ulysses have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 22.3% of adults in Ulysses hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ulysses?
The obesity rate in Ulysses is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 30.1% are physically inactive. 17.9% of residents report depression. 19.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 83.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,441.
What is transportation like in Ulysses?
The average commute in Ulysses is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ulysses?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ulysses is 62.2% White, 7% Hispanic or Latino. 59.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 40.2% speak Spanish. 2.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.9% of residents have a disability. 86.0% have health insurance coverage.
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