What to know when moving to Lawrence, KS
TL;DR: Lawrence at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 53.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 63.5% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $56,340, which supports a range of living options.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 26.3% may indicate economic challenges for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 3% of residents use public transit, making it a largely car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $999/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lawrence, Kansas, features a population of about 29,052, with a significant portion of residents (63.5%) choosing to rent. This indicates a youthful demographic, likely including students and young professionals. The area's education level is also notable, with 53.6% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree, suggesting a community that values education. However, with a poverty rate of 26.3%, some residents may face financial difficulties.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking a high transit share; only 3% of commuters rely on public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $999, which may be appealing compared to larger urban areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $228,100, indicating a relatively affordable housing market.
- The community has a poverty rate of 26.3%, highlighting some economic disparity.
- With 63.5% renters, there's a strong rental market, which could mean competition for rental properties.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Kansas, property crime rates are higher than the national average, but have seen a decrease recently.
- Property crime rate is 1,802.5 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime rate stands at 441.9 per 100,000, significantly higher than the national average of 325.3.
- Notable trend: The property crime rate has decreased by 17.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Kansas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lawrence has access to several educational institutions, providing options for higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 3
- With College Scorecard data: 3
- Institutions include: Haskell Indian Nations University, University of Kansas, and WellSpring School of Allied Health-Lawrence.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, residents can enjoy various outdoor recreational opportunities in nearby parks.
- Clinton State Park - Rating: 4.5 (1,582 reviews)
- KU Natural History Museum - Rating: 4.7 (597 reviews)
- Prairie Park Nature Center - Rating: 4.7 (596 reviews)
- Holcom Park Recreation Center - Rating: 4.4 (524 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Douglas County supports a stable employment rate, indicating economic resilience.
- Unemployment rate: 3.1% (December 2025)
- Employment: 69,483 individuals are employed in the county.
- Labor force: 71,682 individuals actively participating in the workforce.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.