Lawrence, KS
Population 95,459 · Kansas
About Lawrence, KS
Lawrence is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 95,459 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,838 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lawrence features a median home value of $269,500, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Lawrence in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,054, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 44,034 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (17,553 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (23,406 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lawrence shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lawrence have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
55.1% of Lawrence residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.2% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 7.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lawrence Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Lawrence, KS
Compared to national averages, Lawrence has a median household income of $62,838 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $269,500, which is 10% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,054 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Lawrence's income is 2% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 137% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,054/month, and a well-educated community where 55.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,838) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Lawrence provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lawrence has a population of 95,459 with a median age of 29.2 years. Compare Lawrence with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Lawrence
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shawnee | 68,175 | $106,312 | $332,900 | Compare |
| Topeka | 126,103 | $55,902 | $130,600 | Compare |
| Lenexa | 57,986 | $102,344 | $368,800 | Compare |
| Manhattan | 53,951 | $58,441 | $243,700 | Compare |
| Olathe | 143,720 | $112,232 | $340,600 | Compare |
| Salina | 46,432 | $60,624 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 39,837 | $58,801 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Leavenworth | 37,176 | $71,239 | $176,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lawrence With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lawrence
What is the population of Lawrence, KS?
The population of Lawrence, KS is 95,459 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Lawrence?
The median household income in Lawrence, KS is $62,838 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lawrence?
The median home value in Lawrence, KS is $269,500, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lawrence?
The median monthly rent in Lawrence, KS is $1,054, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lawrence?
The unemployment rate in Lawrence, KS is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live?
Lawrence offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 95,459 and a median age of 29.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lawrence, KS?
55.1% of residents in Lawrence aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lawrence?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lawrence, KS: median home value is $269,500 (10% above national), median rent is $1,054/month, and median household income is $62,838. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lawrence?
The poverty rate in Lawrence, KS is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence's population is 5.2% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 7.4% of residents are foreign-born.