Living in Lawrence, KS
Lawrence is the 362nd-largest city in the US, home to about 96,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (90.2 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 96,367+1.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $292,7004.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,091/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $65,009median, per year
- Price level
- 90.2US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 38° / 89°lows 19° / 70°
- Average commute
- 20 min16% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.58%top rate, graduated
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County: Douglas County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 863 ft
Metro area: Lawrence, KS
Cost of living in Lawrence
The median home in Lawrence is worth $292,700 and the median household earns $65,009 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,091 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Lawrence, KS metro area at 90.2, with housing at 71.6 and goods at 94.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $67,700 here. Kansas taxes wages at a top rate of 5.58%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Kansas is 8.71%.
What would my salary be worth in Lawrence?
Lawrence weather
Average highs run from 38°F in January to 89°F in July, and January nights average 19°F. It gets 39 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 10 inches of snow. Expect about 42 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 103 times a year. The most comfortable months are April and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Lawrence
People and work
The median resident is 29.3 years old, and 56% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 44% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 20 minutes; 16% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 29.325th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 56%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 44%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,78434.6 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 3%5% walk, 1.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.4%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 17.4%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1988median year
Who moves to Lawrence, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Wichita (Sedgwick County), Chicago (Cook County) and Saline County, KS. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Wichita (Sedgwick County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Chicago (Cook County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
FEMA rating for Douglas County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, tornado, strong wind, lightning.
Home prices
+4.8% in a year
Up 42% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Lawrence, KS area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
93% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Lawrence, KS area (283 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Lawrence
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of Kansas in Lawrence
- Johnson County Community College 28 miles
- Washburn University 25 miles
- Park University 35 miles
- Baker University 13 miles
- MidAmerica Nazarene University 26 miles
- University of Saint Mary 29 miles
- Ottawa University-Ottawa 25 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Lawrence
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City International Airport MCI | 37 mi | 5,915,078 |
| Manhattan Regional Airport MHK | 77 mi | 85,901 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Lawrence
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | in town | 21,217 | $20,004 | 70% |
| Washburn University | 25 mi | 4,562 | $11,023 | 52% |
| Baker University | 13 mi | 1,100 | $25,038 | 55% |
| Ottawa University-Ottawa | 25 mi | 870 | $27,572 | 26% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Lawrence
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 12, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 19 and the first frost comes around October 28.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Lawrence, KS, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Lawrence.
Wildfire smoke in Lawrence
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Lawrence on about 160 days a year, including about 39 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Lawrence
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 41,129 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Lawrence
Downtown Lawrence is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Unified School District 497 | Pre-K to 12 | 10,443 | 18 | 14.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Basehor-Linwood Unified School District 458 (3,096 students), Tonganoxie Unified School District 464 (1,988 students), Eudora Unified School District 491 (1,707 students), Baldwin City Unified School District 348 (1,398 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Lawrence's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Lawrence's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Lexington, KY77% matchCompare
- Iowa City, IA75% matchCompare
- Lynchburg, VA75% matchCompare
- Bloomington, IN73% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Lawrence
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Lawrence
- Snow Creek 38 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Lawrence
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 10% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 20 minutes each way on average.
- Data A highly educated city: 56% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
- Data Low natural hazard risk: FEMA rates Douglas County relatively low overall.
- Data Clean air: 263 of 283 days in 2025 had good air quality in the metro (EPA).
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Lawrence report card from locals
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Lawrence through locals' eyes
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Cities near Lawrence
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olathe, KS | 23 mi | 150,025 | $364,700 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Topeka, KS | 24 mi | 125,795 | $144,200 | 88.8 | Compare |
| Overland Park, KS | 29 mi | 203,677 | $413,600 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Kansas City, KS | 32 mi | 157,805 | $167,400 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Kansas City, MO | 37 mi | 521,220 | $242,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Lee's Summit, MO | 46 mi | 107,514 | $340,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Lawrence with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Lawrence a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, short commutes. Compare Lawrence side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Lawrence?
The Census Bureau estimates Lawrence had 96,367 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 94,941 in April 2020 (+1.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Lawrence?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $67,700 in the Lawrence area. The median household here earns $65,009.
When is the best time to visit Lawrence?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 89°F and January 38°F for daytime highs.
What county is Lawrence in?
Lawrence is in Douglas County, Kansas. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Lawrence in?
Lawrence is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Lawrence?
About 863 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Kansas have a state income tax?
Yes. Kansas has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.58% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Lawrence. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Lawrence, KS metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Lawrence, KS station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.