Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Norcatur, KS
Thinking of moving to Norcatur, KS? With a small-town population of just 146, Norcatur offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with a remarkably low cost of living and median home prices around $48,000. Residents enjoy short 15-minute commutes, low crime rates, and plenty of sunny days. While educational attainment is modest and amenities are nearby in neighboring towns, Norcatur is ideal for those seeking affordability and a friendly, close-knit community.
Demographics - Norcatur, KS
Demographics - Norcatur, KS
Norcatur is a small rural community with just 146 residents, most of whom are over age 50, reflecting a median age of 54. The population is predominantly White, and the town has a balanced gender ratio and low linguistic diversity. This makes Norcatur a quiet, close-knit place ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
146
Density:
340 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Norcatur, KS?
The cost of living in Norcatur is significantly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 78. Housing is especially affordable, with a median home value of $48,000 and typical rent around $500 per month. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also budget-friendly, making Norcatur attractive for those seeking economical living.
Median House Value:
$48,000
Gross Rent:
$500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
40.0
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Norcatur, KS a safe place to live?
Norcatur enjoys very low crime rates, with only 110 violent crimes and 820 property crimes per 100,000 people reported annually. Residents have a much lower risk of crime compared to larger cities, providing a sense of security and peace of mind for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
820
Crime Index:
930
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 120
Weather
What is the weather like in Norcatur, KS year-round?
Norcatur experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers reaching up to 92°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives moderate rainfall of about 23.5 inches annually and enjoys 64% sunny days, creating a comfortable climate for outdoor activities most of the year.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
42°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Households in Norcatur typically earn a median income of $38,000, and the community has a modest poverty rate of 12.5%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a quick 15.5 minutes, contributing to a relaxed rural lifestyle.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$48,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,500
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$500
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
15.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.0%
Bachelors or More:
13.0%
Education
How are the schools in Norcatur, KS?
Education in Norcatur is provided by nearby public schools with small class sizes, such as Oberlin Elementary and Decatur Community Junior/Senior High, both offering personalized attention. Higher education opportunities are available within a 40-mile drive at Colby Community College, making the area suitable for families and lifelong learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Oberlin Elementary School
Street:
105 E Commercial St
Phone:
785-475-2217
Students:
215
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Decatur Community Junior/Senior High
Street:
1498 W. Hwy 36
Phone:
785-475-2231
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.0

Colleges
Name:
Colby Community College
City:
Colby
State:
KS
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare with major hospitals like Norton County Hospital and Decatur Health nearby, both offering emergency services. The town has a good rate of health insurance coverage at 89.5% and about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring essential medical needs are met locally.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Norton County Hospital
Address:
102 E Holme St, Norton, KS 67654
Phone:
(785) 877-3351
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Decatur Health
Address:
900 W. Columbia, Oberlin, KS 67749
Phone:
(785) 475-2208
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
81.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Norcatur, KS?
Norcatur's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $48,000 and most residents owning their homes. The rental market is stable, featuring an 8% vacancy rate and average rents of $500 for a two-bedroom. Home values have appreciated modestly in recent years, making it a stable choice for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$48,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$500
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Norcatur residents are handled by the Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles, located in Topeka. Essential DMV services, including licensing and registration, are accessible online and by phone, streamlining the process for rural residents.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
915 Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone:
1-785-296-3963
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.