Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Colby, KS
Thinking about moving to Colby, KS? With a welcoming population of 5,378 and affordable median home prices around $172,000, Colby offers small-town charm with a low cost of living. Residents enjoy short average commutes of just 13 minutes, low crime rates, and plenty of sunny days—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Excellent local schools, access to Colby Community College, and a close-knit community make Colby a great place for families and those seeking a relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Colby, KS
Colby, Kansas, is home to about 5,400 residents, with a median age just under 36, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working adults. The community is predominantly White, but also includes small percentages of Black, Asian, and other groups, and around 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This moderate population density and even gender ratio foster a friendly, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
5,378
Density:
1,246 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.4%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Colby, KS?
Colby features a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $172,000 and average rent around $775 per month. The overall cost of living index is 82.3, well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in housing and everyday expenses. Utilities and groceries remain budget-friendly, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without high costs.
Median House Value:
$172,000
Gross Rent:
$775
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.3
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
61.5
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
78.5
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
86.0
Crime
Is Colby, KS a safe place to live?
Colby sees low crime rates compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of 206 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,627 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 485, making the city a safe choice for families and individuals. Residents benefit from a strong sense of security in their daily lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
206
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,627
Crime Index:
1,833
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 485
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Colby, KS year-round?
Residents of Colby experience a range of weather, from cold winters with lows around 16°F to warm summers reaching up to 90°F. The city enjoys approximately 67% sunny days annually and receives about 20 inches of rainfall per year, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering a true four-season experience.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Colby's neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $55,400 and a low unemployment rate of 2.2%. The average commute is a quick 13 minutes, and the poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below national averages. Most residents have completed high school, and the area boasts a friendly, stable community with minimal reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$38,600
Household Income:
$55,400
Family Income:
$69,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,850
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$31,300
Poverty Rate:
10.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$775
Unemployment Rate:
2.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
12.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
23.2%
Education
How are the schools in Colby, KS?
Colby offers quality educational opportunities, including Colby Elementary and High School, both known for small class sizes and attentive staff. Heartland Christian School provides a private schooling option, while Colby Community College serves over 1,900 students locally. The city’s schools foster a supportive learning environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Colby Elementary School
Street:
210 N Grant Ave
Phone:
785-460-5100
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Colby High School
Street:
1890 S Franklin Ave
Phone:
785-460-5300
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
Heartland Christian School
Street:
1580 S Franklin Ave
Phone:
785-460-6419
Students:
100
Colleges
Name:
Colby Community College
City:
Colby
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Colby is anchored by Citizens Medical Center, offering comprehensive general and emergency services. With 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, the city ensures accessible and reliable medical care. The healthcare index of 78.1 suggests solid local health resources for all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Citizens Medical Center
Address:
100 E College Dr, Colby, KS 67701
Phone:
(785) 462-7511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Colby, KS?
Colby's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $172,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $800. About 67.5% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a strong sense of community investment. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates, along with steady home appreciation, make Colby a practical place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$172,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registrations and licensing through the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The main office is located in Topeka, with resources available online for added convenience. The DMV provides essential services for Colby residents, ensuring compliance with state transportation regulations.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3671
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.