Median Income
$43,433
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$60,000
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
115/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.6%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$590
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.6%
87% lower than US avg
How Yates Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,381
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density546/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$43,433
Per Capita$32,569
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty1.6%
County GDP$97M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$60,000
Rent$590
Ownership73.4%
Zillow$125,765
Housing Units756
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent115/100K
Property1,832/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.4%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,093 ft (333 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.6%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Yates Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Yates Center 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 below-average incomes. Yates Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Yates Center is $43,433, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Yates Center is $60,000, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $590 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Yates Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,832 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Yates Center enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°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 41.8 inches, including 9.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Yates Center has a population of 1,381 with a density of 546 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Yates Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Yates Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Yates Center is $43,433, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,569 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $734, 49% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 96 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Yates Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,433 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,569 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $734 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,334 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.6% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 96 |
| County GDP | $97M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Yates Center is $60,000, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,765, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $590 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 756 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $60,000 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $125,765 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $590 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.6% |
| Housing Units | 756 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Yates Center, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:3,109. 63.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Yates Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:3,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,115 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,226/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Yates Center has a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,832 per 100,000, 7% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Yates Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Yates Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 114.5/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,832.1/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Yates Center enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°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 41.8 inches. The area receives 9.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,093 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,093 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (7.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 546/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.8675°N, 95.7548°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Woodson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Topeka Regional (FOE)
75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.8"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.4 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
42 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 |
111 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
113 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
113 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 |
4 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
9 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
4 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
1 km N of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
2 km NW of Augusta, Kansas |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
7 km NNE of Rose Hill, Kansas |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
11 km SSE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Apr 10, 2020 |
4 km SE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.8 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
483 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 79 fatalities, 520 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
69 km |
44 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
76 km |
4 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
74 km |
6 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1960 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 1958 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1958 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
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 |
65 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
69 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
48 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
77 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
32 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
31 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
50 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
64 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
12,241 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
64 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
65 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
65 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,081 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,678 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Yates Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Yates Center. 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 Yates Center
What is the population of Yates Center?
Yates Center has a population of 1,381 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 546 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Yates Center expensive to live in?
Yates Center 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 $43,433, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $60,000 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $590 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Yates Center safe?
Yates Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,832 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Yates Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Yates Center?
Yates Center 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 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches, with 9.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Yates Center?
The job market in Yates Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $734. There are 96 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Yates Center?
The median home value in Yates Center is $60,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,765. For renters, the median monthly rent is $590. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.4%.
How are the schools in Yates Center?
Schools in Yates Center score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.6% of adults in Yates Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Yates Center?
The obesity rate in Yates Center is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 63.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Yates Center?
The average commute in Yates Center is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Yates Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Yates Center is 92.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
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