Median Income
$72,083
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$170,700
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,132
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Vassar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population870
Median Age47.3 yrs
Density179/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans13.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,083
Per Capita$40,768
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$417M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,700
Rent$1,132
Ownership80.7%
Zillow$222,331
Housing Units407
Rent Burden20.7%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property1,524/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking16.1%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,091 ft (333 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute43 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Vassar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vassar receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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, high obesity rates. Vassar offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vassar is $72,083, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vassar is $170,700, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,132 per month. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Vassar is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,524 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Vassar enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Vassar has a population of 870 with a density of 179 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 47.3 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 5.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 13.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.3yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Vassar is $72,083, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,768. The average weekly wage is $746, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 370 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,083 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,768 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $746 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,496 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 370 |
| County GDP | $417M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |
The median home value in Vassar is $170,700, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,331, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,132 (3% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 407 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $3,914. 20.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $170,700 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,331 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,132 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.3% |
| Housing Units | 407 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.29% |
In Vassar, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:15,768. The dentist ratio is 1:7,827. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vassar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:15,768 |
| Dentists | 1:7,827 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,912 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,634/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Vassar has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,524 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Vassar receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vassar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 69.3/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,523.6/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vassar enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 80°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 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,091 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.2°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,091 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 179/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6486°N, 95.6100°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Topeka Regional (FOE)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
35 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 |
101 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
4 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
94 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
9 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
11 km SSE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
7 km SW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Apr 10, 2020 |
4 km SE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
6 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Sep 25, 2024 |
6 km NE of Cedar Point, Kansas |
M2.7 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
584 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 98 fatalities, 1,300 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
40 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
24 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
82 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
59 km |
6 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
87 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
99 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
64 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
53 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
88 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
83 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,081 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK WALL |
8,468 |
92 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
190 AND YY RD |
7,919 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
TALLGRASS 04 |
7,733 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
TALLGRASS 2005 |
7,510 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
19 EAST TRAPS TWO SECTION NORTH |
6,804 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
TAPR 03 |
6,548 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Vassar has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 31°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Vassar. 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 Vassar
What is the population of Vassar?
Vassar has a population of 870 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 179 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Vassar expensive to live in?
Vassar 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 $72,083, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,700 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,132 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vassar safe?
Vassar is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,524 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vassar receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vassar?
Vassar enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Vassar?
The job market in Vassar is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $746. There are 370 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 9.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vassar?
The median home value in Vassar is $170,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,331. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,132. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,914.
How are the schools in Vassar?
Schools in Vassar score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Vassar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vassar?
The obesity rate in Vassar is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:15,768.
What is transportation like in Vassar?
The average commute in Vassar is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vassar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vassar is 92.9% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 13.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
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