Kansas / Douglas County

Moving to Lawrence, KS

Thinking of making a move to Lawrence, KS? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lawrence, KS

Considering a move to Lawrence, KS? This welcoming community of 95,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $320,000 and average rents near $1,190. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lawrence's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lawrence, KS

Lawrence has a population of 95,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 28 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 78% White, 7% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
95,000
Density
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age
27.9
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
78.0%
Black
6.5%
Asian
5.2%
Others
10.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Lawrence, KS?

The cost of living in Lawrence is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.4. Median home values are around $320,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,190. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$320,000
Gross Rent
$1,190
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$610
State Taxes
Low: 3.1%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
92.4
Grocery
95.0
Housing
88.5
Utilities
98.2
Transportation
91.0
Health Care
93.5
Miscellaneous
94.0

Crime

Is Lawrence, KS a safe place to live?

Lawrence is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 365 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Kansas.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
365
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
3,215
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 274
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Lawrence, KS year-round?

Lawrence experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
41°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
69°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $62,500 and a low poverty rate of 20.5%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 48% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$36,500
Household Income
$62,500
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$29,500
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$36,000
Poverty Rate
20.5%
Non English Speakers
13.0%
Rent
$1,190
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
8.5%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.0%
Bachelors or More
47.5%

Education

How are the schools in Lawrence, KS?

Lawrence offers quality education options, with public schools like Lawrence High School and Free State High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lawrence High School
Street
1901 Louisiana St
Phone
785-832-5050
Students
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Free State High School
Street
4700 Overland Dr
Phone
785-832-6050
Students
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
15.3

Private Schools

Name
Heritage Christian Academy
Street
1901 E 23rd St
Phone
785-749-5888
Students
420

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
2 miles
Students
900

Healthcare

Lawrence residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like LMH Health and The University of Kansas Health System – Lawrence nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 90.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
LMH Health
Address
325 Maine St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone
(785) 505-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
The University of Kansas Health System – Lawrence
Address
1112 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone
(785) 505-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
90.1%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lawrence, KS?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $320,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 3.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Lawrence offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,190
Owner Occupied Rate
54.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.8%
New Construction Rate
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Lawrence handle vehicle services through the Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles, conveniently located in Topeka. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Kansas
Department
Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
Address
915 SW Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone
1-785-296-3621

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.

FAQs About Moving to Lawrence, KS

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lawrence, review the core fields on this page: population 95,000, median home value $320,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,190, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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