Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Smith Center, KS
Considering a move to Smith Center, KS? This friendly town of 1,583 is known for its affordability, with a median home price of just $85,000 and average rents around $620. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, short 13-minute commutes, and strong local schools. Smith Center offers a peaceful, sunny climate with 65% sunny days each year, making it an inviting place for families or those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Explore the detailed cost of living, housing, education, and community amenities below to see if Smith Center is right for you!
Demographics - Smith Center, KS
Demographics - Smith Center, KS
Smith Center is a small, close-knit community of 1,583 residents, with a median age of 49.2 and a population density of 1,110 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with a low percentage of non-English speakers, offering a quiet, rural lifestyle ideal for families and retirees.
Population:
1,583
Density:
1,110 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.7%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Smith Center, KS?
Smith Center boasts a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rent at just $620. Residents benefit from low housing and utility costs, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly living in Kansas.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$940
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
3.10%
|
High:
5.70%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.2
Grocery:
92.8
Housing:
52.0
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
84.4
Health Care:
92.1
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Smith Center, KS a safe place to live?
Smith Center experiences very low crime, with a violent crime rate of only 82 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,220 chance of being a victim. The property crime rate is also modest, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
82
Property Crimes Per 100k:
610
Crime Index:
692
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 163
Weather
What is the weather like in Smith Center, KS year-round?
Residents enjoy a continental climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. With 65% of days being sunny and annual rainfall around 26.5 inches, the area offers plenty of pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $50,800 and a low unemployment rate of 2.9%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging just under 13 minutes, reflecting the town’s relaxed pace.
Median Income:
$31,600
Household Income:
$50,800
Family Income:
$67,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$38,900
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$620
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
12.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Smith Center, KS?
Smith Center provides quality public education through its elementary and junior/senior high schools, both offering low student-teacher ratios. While there are no private schools in town, nearby colleges such as Cloud County Community College and Fort Hays State University offer convenient higher education options.

Public Schools
Name:
Smith Center Jr/Sr High School
Street:
216 S Jefferson St
Phone:
785-282-6665
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Smith Center Elementary School
Street:
216 S Jefferson St
Phone:
785-282-6609
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1

Colleges
Name:
Cloud County Community College
City:
Concordia
State:
KS
Distance:
39 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Fort Hays State University
City:
Hays
State:
KS
Distance:
76 miles
Students:
15,900
Healthcare
Smith Center is served by Smith County Memorial Hospital, providing general and emergency care. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is reliable for a town of this size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Smith County Memorial Hospital
Address:
921 E Highway 36, Smith Center, KS 66967
Phone:
(785) 282-6845
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
70.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Smith Center, KS?
The housing market in Smith Center is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $620, and foreclosures are rare.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$620
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle services through the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles, with comprehensive information and forms available online or at the main office in Topeka.
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.