Median Income
$43,333
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,200
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
117/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.3%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$734
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Valley Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,305
Median Age51.1 yrs
Density1,864/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$43,333
Per Capita$30,951
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$501M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,200
Rent$734
Ownership50.8%
Zillow$249,179
Housing Units638
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent117/100K
Property2,345/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking15.6%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation976 ft (297 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.3%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Valley Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valley Falls receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 below-average incomes. Valley Falls offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Valley Falls is $43,333, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valley Falls is $118,200, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Valley Falls is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,345 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Valley Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 13.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Valley Falls has a population of 1,305 with a density of 1,864 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 51.1 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63% female and 37% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 2% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.1yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Valley Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Valley Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Valley Falls is $43,333, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,951 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $990, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 416 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 13.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Valley Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,333 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,951 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $990 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,806 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 416 |
| County GDP | $501M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,086 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Valley Falls is $118,200, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,179, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $734 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 638 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,086 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,200 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $249,179 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $734 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.2% |
| Housing Units | 638 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,086 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.46% |
In Valley Falls, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,841. The dentist ratio is 1:6,115. 26.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Valley Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,841 |
| Dentists | 1:6,115 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,036 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,032/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Valley Falls has a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,345 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Valley Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Valley Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 117.2/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,344.7/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Valley Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°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 37.6 inches. The area receives 13.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 976 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 976 ft (297 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,864/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3393°N, 95.4612°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Philip Billard Municipal (TOP)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.5 on May 15, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
17 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
71 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
7 km SW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Apr 30, 2022 |
5 km W of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| May 9, 2021 |
4 km NW of Herington, Kansas |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Jan 24, 2023 |
Kansas |
M2.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 11, 2020 |
13 km E of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
634 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 90 fatalities, 1,133 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
61 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
99 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
62 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
31 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAGSTAFF (16,111 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
88 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
ILLINOIS CREEK |
5,008 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
49 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
400 AND ROAD L |
2,393 |
91 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,377 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,186 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,010 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
41 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
42 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
54 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,408 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,194 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Valley Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 29°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Valley Falls. 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 | $804 |
| Toddler | $717 |
| Preschool | $625 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $565 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Valley Falls
What is the population of Valley Falls?
Valley Falls has a population of 1,305 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,864 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63% female and 37% male.
Is Valley Falls expensive to live in?
Valley Falls 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 $43,333, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,200 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Valley Falls safe?
Valley Falls is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,345 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Valley Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Valley Falls?
Valley Falls 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 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 13.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Valley Falls?
The job market in Valley Falls is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $990. There are 416 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 13.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Valley Falls?
The median home value in Valley Falls is $118,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,179. For renters, the median monthly rent is $734. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,086.
How are the schools in Valley Falls?
Schools in Valley Falls score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.3% of adults in Valley Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Valley Falls?
The obesity rate in Valley Falls is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 26.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,841.
What is transportation like in Valley Falls?
The average commute in Valley Falls is 26 minutes. 69.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Valley Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Valley Falls is 90% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 89.1% have health insurance coverage.
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