Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Baxter Springs, KS
Considering a move to Baxter Springs, KS? With a friendly small-town population of 3,803 and a median home price around $85,000, living here is affordable and community-focused. Commute times are short at about 19 minutes, and the cost of living is well below the national average. The area enjoys 62% sunny days annually and access to solid local schools. While property crime rates are higher than average, Baxter Springs offers a welcoming atmosphere, affordable housing, and easy access to larger cities for work and healthcare.
Demographics - Baxter Springs, KS
Demographics - Baxter Springs, KS
Baxter Springs is a small community of 3,803 residents, with a median age of 39.6 and a population density of over 1,000 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, but also has a notable Native American presence and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its local character.
Population:
3,803
Density:
1,043 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.7%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
6.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Baxter Springs, KS?
Living in Baxter Springs is highly affordable, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $670. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$360
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.2
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
40.3
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
76.0
Health Care:
97.4
Miscellaneous:
89.7
Crime
Is Baxter Springs, KS a safe place to live?
Baxter Springs experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with residents facing a 1 in 47 chance of being affected, while violent crime remains less common. It's wise for newcomers to consider standard safety precautions and stay informed about local crime trends.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
302
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,114
Crime Index:
2,416
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 331
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Baxter Springs, KS year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and mild winters around 46°F. The city receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 62% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The median household income in Baxter Springs is approximately $45,800, with a poverty rate of 17.3%. Most residents have a high school diploma, and commute times average a short 19 minutes, reflecting the town’s small size and close-knit feel.
Median Income:
$27,900
Household Income:
$45,800
Family Income:
$53,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,200
Income Male:
$37,800
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
17.3%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
14.7%
Education
How are the schools in Baxter Springs, KS?
Baxter Springs offers public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, supporting a strong learning environment for local children. Nearby higher education options, such as Missouri Southern State University and Pittsburg State University, are within easy driving distance for those seeking further education.

Public Schools
Name:
Baxter Springs High School
Street:
100 N Military Ave
Phone:
620-856-3391
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Baxter Springs Middle School
Street:
1200 Cleveland Ave
Phone:
620-856-3325
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Central Elementary School
Street:
1100 Cleveland Ave
Phone:
620-856-3313
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6

Colleges
Name:
Missouri Southern State University
City:
Joplin
State:
MO
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
5,600
Name:
Pittsburg State University
City:
Pittsburg
State:
KS
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
6,700
Healthcare
Baxter Springs has convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Joplin and a solid physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 87.5%, ensuring residents are well supported for their medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mercy Hospital Joplin
Address:
100 Mercy Way, Joplin, MO 64804
Phone:
(417) 556-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Freeman Health System
Address:
1102 W 32nd St, Joplin, MO 64804
Phone:
(417) 347-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
66.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Baxter Springs, KS?
The local housing market is very accessible, with a median home price of just $85,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of about 63%. With modest appreciation and a rental vacancy rate near 9%, the area offers both stability and options for homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Baxter Springs residents are managed by the Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Joplin. Residents can access licensing and registration services both in person and online.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
Address:
1711 W. 7th St., Joplin, MO 64801 (nearest full-service office)
Phone:
1-785-296-3621
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.