Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Scott, KS
Considering a move to Fort Scott, KS? This welcoming city of about 7,500 residents offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $85,000 and average rents at $740. Commute times are a breeze, averaging just 14 minutes, and you’ll enjoy a high percentage of sunny days. While the crime rate is slightly above the national average, Fort Scott features a close-knit community, affordable housing, and access to local schools and a community college—making it a practical choice for those seeking small-town living in southeast Kansas.
Demographics - Fort Scott, KS
Demographics - Fort Scott, KS
Fort Scott is home to approximately 7,550 residents, with a population density of just over 1,000 people per square mile. The city has a predominantly White demographic and a median age of 38, offering a balanced mix of families and individuals in a close-knit community.
Population:
7,552
Density:
1,070 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.6%
Black:
4.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Scott, KS?
Living in Fort Scott is very affordable, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rent around $740. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,030
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.4
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
50.4
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Fort Scott, KS a safe place to live?
Fort Scott experiences higher property crime rates than the national average, with a 1 in 49 chance of property crime, but violent crime rates remain moderate for a city of its size. Residents should stay aware, but the community maintains a strong sense of safety and neighborliness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
353
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,025
Crime Index:
2,378
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 283
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Scott, KS year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Fort Scott, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and mild winters with lows around 21°F. The area receives about 42 inches of annual rainfall and boasts over 60% sunny days, creating a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Fort Scott is about $41,600, and the city has a 17% poverty rate, reflecting a modest but supportive community. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and daily commutes average just under 14 minutes, underscoring the town's convenience and small-town charm.
Median Income:
$33,700
Household Income:
$41,600
Family Income:
$56,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$37,900
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
17.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$740
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
13.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.7%
Bachelors or More:
19.6%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Scott, KS?
Fort Scott offers several public and private K–12 schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios, plus Fort Scott Community College right in town. This ensures families and students have convenient access to quality education from preschool through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Fort Scott High School
Street:
1005 S Main St
Phone:
620-223-0600
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Fort Scott Middle School
Street:
1105 E 12th St
Phone:
620-223-3262
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
Fort Scott Christian Heights
Street:
1101 S Barbee St
Phone:
620-223-4330
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
Fort Scott Community College
City:
Fort Scott
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Fort Scott provides local healthcare services, including a general hospital with emergency care and a physician rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of the population has health insurance, ensuring accessible medical support for area families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Via Christi Hospital Fort Scott
Address:
401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone:
(620) 223-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Scott, KS?
The local housing market features a median home price of $85,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 56%. With stable rental options and modest appreciation, Fort Scott offers affordable and attainable living for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$740
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
The Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles serves Fort Scott residents at a convenient local office, offering essential services like licensing and vehicle registration. Information and resources are easily accessed online and by phone.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
Address:
1420 S. National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone:
620-223-3800
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.