Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Liberal, KS
Thinking of moving to Liberal, KS? With a youthful population of nearly 20,000, affordable home prices around $120,000, and average rents at just $810, Liberal offers a low cost of living and short 15-minute commutes. Enjoy over 70% sunny days each year and access to community-focused schools and a local college. While crime rates are above national averages, the small-town atmosphere and diverse culture make Liberal an inviting place for many families and newcomers.
Demographics - Liberal, KS
Demographics - Liberal, KS
Liberal, KS is home to nearly 20,000 residents with a youthful median age of 29.7, and its population is notably diverse, with over 60% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a significant portion—45%—of non-English speakers, reflecting its rich multicultural character.
Population:
19,825
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.7
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
45.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
34.2%
Black:
3.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
60.3% (includes Hispanic/Latino: 62.1%)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Liberal, KS?
Liberal boasts a cost of living index well below the national average, highlighted by median home values around $120,000 and average rent at $810. Residents enjoy affordable housing and utilities, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$119,800
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
53.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
86.0
Crime
Is Liberal, KS a safe place to live?
While Liberal offers a welcoming community, crime rates are higher than many small towns, with a violent crime rate of 417 per 100,000 and a property crime risk of about 1 in 43. Prospective residents should consider local safety measures and neighborhood trends when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
417
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,280
Crime Index:
2,697
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 240
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Liberal, KS year-round?
Liberal experiences a climate with warm summers reaching up to 94°F and mild winters with lows in the 20s, plus over 70% sunny days annually. Average yearly rainfall is moderate at about 21.5 inches, making for generally pleasant weather most of the year.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
94°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Local households in Liberal typically earn a median income of $56,800, with a poverty rate of 17.9%. The community is characterized by short commute times averaging under 15 minutes and a high degree of linguistic diversity due to its multicultural population.
Median Income:
$37,700
Household Income:
$56,800
Family Income:
$62,900
Per Capita Income:
$20,300
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
17.9%
Non English Speakers:
45.0%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
14.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
68.4%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Liberal, KS?
The city offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Liberal High School, private programs, and Seward County Community College located just a mile from downtown. Students benefit from manageable class sizes and community-focused learning environments.
Public Schools
Name:
Liberal High School
Street:
1611 W. 2nd St
Phone:
620-604-1200
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Prairie View Elementary School
Street:
615 College Ave
Phone:
620-604-2000
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Seymour Rogers Middle School (private program)
Street:
1000 N. Grant Ave
Phone:
620-604-1400
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Seward County Community College
City:
Liberal
State:
KS
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to comprehensive medical care at Southwest Medical Center, with 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people and a healthcare coverage rate of 76%. The city provides essential emergency services and general health resources for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southwest Medical Center
Address:
315 W 15th St, Liberal, KS 67901
Phone:
(620) 624-1651
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
76.0%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Liberal, KS?
Liberal's housing market is affordable, with median home prices near $120,000 and a 60% homeownership rate. Rental options are also accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $810 and a relatively high vacancy rate supporting a variety of housing choices.
Median Home Price:
$119,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Liberal's DMV services are provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue at a convenient local office, offering vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential motor vehicle services. Residents can access information online or visit the office on S. Roosevelt Ave for their needs.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
Address:
123 S. Roosevelt Ave, Liberal, KS 67901
Phone:
620-626-3281
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.