Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Southwestern Bell, KS
Thinking of moving to Southwestern Bell, KS? This small rural community of about 650 offers affordable living with median home prices around $138,000 and average rents near $820. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a relaxed average commute of 22 minutes, and over 62% sunny days each year. With strong public schools and a close-knit atmosphere, Southwestern Bell is a great fit for those seeking small-town charm and a moderate cost of living.
Demographics - Southwestern Bell, KS
Demographics - Southwestern Bell, KS
Southwestern Bell, KS is a small rural community with a population of about 650 residents, featuring a median age of 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White (85%), with a modest mix of other ethnicities and just over 6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its low population density of 25 people per square mile contributes to a quiet, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
650
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
12.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Southwestern Bell, KS?
Living costs in Southwestern Bell are notably affordable, with a median home value of $138,000 and average rent around $820 per month. The overall cost of living index sits well below the national average, making the town attractive for budget-conscious families and individuals. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare also remain reasonably priced compared to larger cities.
Median House Value:
$138,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.6
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
73.5
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
85.7
Health Care:
92.8
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Southwestern Bell, KS a safe place to live?
Southwestern Bell boasts a low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring at a rate of just 185 per 100,000 people and a 1 in 540 chance of being affected. Property crime is also comparatively rare, supporting a safe environment for families and individuals alike. Residents can enjoy peace of mind in this secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,605
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Southwestern Bell, KS year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 92°F and winters dipping to about 18°F. The area gets approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather for 62% of the year, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Spring and fall offer mild, comfortable temperatures.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Southwestern Bell's households have a median income of about $58,000 with a low poverty rate of 8.1% and an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Most residents commute around 22 minutes to work, and the community is well-educated with over 91% holding a high school diploma or higher. The town’s low public transportation usage highlights its rural, car-friendly character.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$58,000
Family Income:
$68,400
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Southwestern Bell, KS?
Education in Southwestern Bell is anchored by strong local public schools with low student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention. While there are no private schools in town, nearby Seward County Community College in Liberal offers higher education opportunities within a 45-mile drive. The community values education, with a high percentage of residents completing high school and many pursuing further studies.

Public Schools
Name:
Meade Elementary School
Street:
409 School Addition, Meade, KS 67864
Phone:
620-873-2982
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Meade Junior High/High School
Street:
409 School Addition, Meade, KS 67864
Phone:
620-873-2981
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2

Colleges
Name:
Seward County Community College
City:
Liberal
State:
KS
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Southwestern Bell is supported by facilities like Meade District Hospital, offering critical access and emergency services. The community has about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 89% of locals have health insurance. Healthcare services are reliable, with a favorable healthcare index indicating quality and accessibility.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Meade District Hospital
Address:
510 E Carthage St, Meade, KS 67864
Phone:
(620) 873-2141
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Southwestern Bell, KS?
The local housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $138,000 and owner occupancy at 76.5%. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom unit at $820 and a modest vacancy rate. Home values have shown steady appreciation, making it a practical choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$138,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For driver and vehicle services, Southwestern Bell residents are served by the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The main office is located in Topeka, and services are accessible both in-person and online, providing convenient access for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles
Address:
915 SW Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66612
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.