Lawrence: The Data Profile (2026)

Lawrence, Kansas, presents a distinct statistical profile for the 2026 relocation market. With a population of 96,209, it operates as a smaller city anchored by the University of Kansas. The economic baseline reveals a critical divergence: the median income sits at $62,608, which is 16.1% below the US median of $74,580. However, this income gap is offset by a highly educated labor pool, where 56.9% of residents hold a college degree, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Remote Value Maximizer." This profile fits professionals earning above the local median (likely $80,000+) who work remotely. They leverage national-level salaries to exploit a local Cost of Living Index of 78.0 for housing, effectively arbitraging the 22.0% discount on living expenses.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living structure in Lawrence is uniformly below the national baseline, with the exception of utilities. While general expenses are lower, the specific cost of electricity at 14.15 cents/kWh is actually 11.6% cheaper than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, contrary to typical regional trends.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single remote worker earning the US median of $7,458/month (pre-tax), the Lawrence monthly burn rate of $2,410 leaves a substantial surplus. This creates a "wealth generation" environment not found in high-cost coastal cities. Compared to a similar lifestyle in a metro like Austin (COL index 110+), Lawrence residents save approximately $1,200/month on fixed costs.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value driver. The median home price is heavily discounted compared to national figures, making the rent-vs-buy calculation favor purchasing for long-term residents. The Price-to-Square Foot metric highlights the abundance of inventory relative to demand.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve:
The price-to-rent ratio in Lawrence heavily incentivizes buying. With a median home price of $225,000 and annual rent for a 2BR at $11,760, the ratio is roughly 19:1. In contrast, the US average is roughly 24:1. For those planning a stay longer than 2 years, buying is the mathematically superior financial decision, locking in a mortgage payment significantly lower than the US average rent.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote work landscape of 2026 has solidified Lawrence's status as a "bedroom community" for high-earners. While local median income is depressed at $62,608, the 56.9% college education rate suggests a high concentration of hybrid or fully remote workers.

Commute & RTO:
For those commuting to Kansas City (approx. 40 miles), the average drive is 45 minutes. However, local traffic congestion remains low, with an average commute time of 18 minutes for residents working within city limits. The local economy is stabilized by the University of Kansas and a burgeoning tech service sector supporting the remote workforce.

Unemployment Analysis:
Lawrence maintains a tight labor market. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, sitting just below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates high labor demand relative to the supply of workers, suggesting wage growth potential for specialized roles despite the lower baseline median income.

Quality of Life Audit

Lawrence scores highly on health metrics, particularly regarding chronic disease. The diabetes rate is 7.9%, which is 30.3% lower than the US average of 10.9%. Air quality is exceptional, with an AQI average of 42 ("Good"), significantly better than the national average which often hovers in the 50s.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Crime statistics in Lawrence align with national averages, presenting a "standard" risk profile.

• Violent Crime: 425 per 100k (45 points higher than US avg).
• Property Crime: 2,346 per 100k (17% higher than US avg).
  While property crime is elevated, it remains lower than major metros like Chicago or Denver.

Schools and Weather:

• Schools: The district typically scores an 8/10 on aggregate rating platforms, driven by high funding from a tax base that values education.
• Weather: Today's temperature is 32.0°F with a high of 45°F. The climate features four distinct seasons, with average summer highs of 89°F and winter lows of 22°F.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Arbitrage: Home prices ($225,000) are 46% below the national average.
• Health Metrics: Diabetes rates (7.9%) and Air Quality (AQI 42) outperform national benchmarks.
• Education Density: A workforce with 56.9% college education creates a high-trust social environment.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Local median income ($62,608) is 16.1% below the US median, capping local earning potential without remote work.
• Crime Variance: Violent crime (425/100k) and property crime (2,346/100k) are slightly above the national baseline.
• Winter Severity: Current temps (32°F) and seasonal fluctuations require adaptation.

Recommendation:
Lawrence is a Strong Buy for remote workers earning $80,000+. The math favors relocation for those seeking to maximize disposable income. For local hires dependent on the median salary, the financial upside is neutralized by slightly elevated crime rates. The optimal move is to rent for 6 months to establish residency, then purchase, leveraging the $225,000 median price point.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Lawrence?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 allows for comfortable living including savings. For a family of four, $95,000 is the threshold to maintain a middle-class lifestyle with discretionary spending.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Kansas City?
Lawrence offers a 22% discount on housing compared to the Kansas City metro average, but with access to the same regional amenities within a 40-minute drive.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
The Violent Crime rate of 425/100k is 11.8% above the US average. However, this is concentrated in specific pockets; most residential areas have crime rates significantly lower than the city-wide average.

4. When is the best time to move?
The optimal time to move is January through March. The housing market inventory is lower, but competition is also reduced, often resulting in 5-7% lower rental rates than the peak summer season.