Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lawrence, KS
Considering a move to Lawrence, KS? This vibrant college town of 96,369 offers a youthful energy, affordable median home prices around $266,000, and average rents of $1,060. Enjoy short 18-minute commutes, a strong educational presence with the University of Kansas, and a high percentage of residents with bachelor’s degrees. Lawrence boasts a moderate cost of living, four-season weather, and plenty of sunny days. While property crime rates are above average, Lawrence’s lively arts scene, parks, and schools make it a welcoming place for newcomers.
Demographics - Lawrence, KS
Demographics - Lawrence, KS
Lawrence is a youthful, diverse city of 96,369 residents, with a median age of 27.5 reflecting its vibrant college-town atmosphere. The population density and significant percentage of non-English speakers add to its dynamic community feel, while most residents identify as White, with notable Asian and Black communities.
Population:
96,369
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
77.2%
Black:
4.8%
Asian:
5.2%
Others:
12.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence offers a moderate cost of living with a median home price of $266,000 and average rents at $1,060, making it attractive for both renters and buyers. Residents benefit from below-average living costs compared to national standards, especially in housing and transportation.
Median House Value:
$266,000
Gross Rent:
$1,060
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$545
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.6
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
84.5
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
89.1
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
96.4
Crime
Is Lawrence, KS a safe place to live?
Lawrence experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a resident’s chance of experiencing property crime at about 1 in 47, while violent crime is less common at 1 in 255. While the overall crime index is notable, many residents find the city’s active neighborhoods and community engagement foster a sense of safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
392
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,144
Crime Index:
2,536
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 255
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Lawrence, KS year-round?
Lawrence enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The city receives around 39 inches of annual rainfall and benefits from sunshine roughly 59% of the year, making for a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The community is well-educated, with over half of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and the median household income stands at $61,500. Commutes are short—averaging just over 18 minutes—and the area maintains a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.5%, though the poverty rate is higher than average at 17%.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$61,500
Family Income:
$86,900
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$37,900
Income Female:
$33,800
Poverty Rate:
17.0%
Non English Speakers:
10.9%
Rent:
$1,060
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
2.3%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.1%
Bachelors or More:
52.0%
Education
How are the schools in Lawrence, KS?
Education is a strong suit in Lawrence, with highly rated public schools like Lawrence High School and access to top higher education institutions including the University of Kansas. The city offers a range of public and private school options, and its large student population brings a vibrant, academic atmosphere.

Public Schools
Name:
Lawrence High School
Street:
1901 Louisiana St
Phone:
785-832-5050
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Sunset Hill Elementary
Street:
901 Schwarz Rd
Phone:
785-832-5880
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Seabury Academy
Street:
4120 Clinton Pkwy
Phone:
785-832-1717
Students:
230

Colleges
Name:
University of Kansas
City:
Lawrence
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
28,000
Name:
Haskell Indian Nations University
City:
Lawrence
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Lawrence residents have access to quality healthcare, anchored by LMH Health and a strong ratio of 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people. Most residents—over 92%—are insured, contributing to the area’s solid healthcare index and availability of emergency services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
LMH Health
Address:
325 Maine St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone:
(785) 505-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lawrence, KS?
Homebuyers and renters will find a balanced market, with a median home price of $266,000, average two-bedroom rents at $1,060, and a home appreciation rate of 4.7% over the past year. Nearly half of the city’s residents own their homes, and the rental vacancy rate is moderately healthy at 7.2%.
Median Home Price:
$266,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,060
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Lawrence residents are served by the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Topeka. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing and vehicle registration, with detailed information available online.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
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.