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Dodge City, Kansas

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

64
Overall Score

Dodge City, Kansas, located in Ford County, is world-famous for its rich frontier history and role as a wild and woolly 19th-century cow town. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant, modern hub of Southwest Kansas, blending its legendary Old West heritage with a growing, diverse community. People are drawn to Dodge City for its affordable cost of living, strong job opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing, and a welcoming Midwestern charm that makes newcomers feel immediately at home.

About Kansas

Kansas, known as the "Sunflower State," offers a blend of rural charm and urban development, characterized by friendly communities and a relaxed pace of life. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including agriculture (a leading producer of wheat, corn, and sorghum), aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Living in Kansas is generally affordable, with a cost of living approximately 10-15% lower than the national average, particularly for housing. The state experiences four distinct seasons with warm to hot summers, mild to cold winters, and moderate humidity, though it is prone to severe weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes, especially in spring and early summer.

27,340
Population
$54K
Avg Salary
88
Cost Index
64.3
Quality Score
How this 64/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 68 / 100 68.0 30% 20.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 88.0 58.8 25% 14.7
Economy & jobs Median household income: $61,200 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% 77.5 20% 15.5
Growth Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.8% 46.8 15% 7.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 67.0 10% 6.7
Overall score 64.3

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 16 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Dodge City

Featured local businesses in Dodge City.

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Quality Scores

Business
67
Livability
73
Affordability
82
Growth
69

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dodge City is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Housing costs, in particular, remain very affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas across the United States, allowing residents to secure comfortable homes without overextending their finances. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also track well below national baselines, contributing to an overall high level of financial breathing room.

Average Rent
$850/mo
Groceries
$380/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$175/mo
Healthcare
$220/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$11.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$18.00
Monthly groceries
$380.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$130.00

Salary Insights

Dodge City's economy is anchored by a robust agricultural sector, meatpacking, manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers in the region provide steady employment opportunities, supporting a remarkably stable local job market with low unemployment. While remote work infrastructure continues to expand, the city's traditional economic engines—food processing, livestock, and wind energy—drive consistent local economic activity and steady job growth.

The average salary in Dodge City is $54,000 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.10% Healthcare & Social Assistance +2.20% Educational Services +1.00% Hospitality & Tourism +2.00% Agriculture & Meatpacking +1.50%

Climate

🌡️
57°F
Avg Temp
☀️
86°F
Summer High
❄️
23°F
Winter Low
🌧️
27.80"
Annual Rain
💧
60.00%
Humidity
🌤️
283
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Dodge City is primarily car-dependent, with straightforward navigation, minimal traffic congestion, and short average commute times compared to major urban centers. The city's layout makes driving across town quick and convenient, while regional highways connect residents easily to other parts of Kansas and neighboring states. Parking is widely available, and the straightforward street grid simplifies daily travel.

15 min
Avg Commute
35.00/10
Transit Score
45.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the US national average.
Robust agricultural, manufacturing, and energy sectors provide a stable and resilient local job market.
Short average commute times allow residents to spend less time in traffic and more time on personal pursuits.
Rich cultural heritage, community festivals, and diverse dining options enhance everyday life.
Friendly, family-oriented neighborhoods offer a welcoming and tight-knit community atmosphere.
Drawbacks
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan centers limits access to large-scale urban amenities.
Local climate features windy conditions and occasional severe weather typical of the Great Plains.
Limited public transportation options necessitate car ownership for daily commuting and errands.
Hot summers and cold winters require higher seasonal utility management.
Specialized high-tech or corporate career opportunities are more limited compared to larger cities.

Questions about Dodge City

What people ask about living in and moving to Dodge City, Kansas.

How does the cost of living in Dodge City compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Dodge City’s cost of living index is 88, meaning it is about 12% below the national average. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are generally cheaper. However, the average rent of $850 per month is lower than in many urban areas, so housing costs are modest. Overall, you can expect a comfortable standard of living on a salary of $54,000 per year, with plenty of room for savings or disc...

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dodge City? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dodge City is about $850 per month. This figure reflects typical market rates for modest, single-family homes or small apartments in the area. Rental prices can vary depending on location, amenities, and condition, but most listings will fall near this average. For specific listings, check local real‑estate websites or community bulletin boards.

What kinds of jobs are most common in Dodge City? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Dodge City’s economy centers on agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Common roles include logistics coordinators, warehouse supervisors, and supply‑chain managers, especially for companies handling grain and livestock. There are also positions in retail, healthcare support, and local government. Because the average salary is $54,000, many mid‑level professional jobs fit within that range. Checking the cit...

How are the public schools in Dodge City rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Dodge City generally receive solid ratings, with a mix of well‑rated elementary, middle, and high schools. The district offers a range of programs, including special education and extracurricular activities. Performance metrics such as test scores and graduation rates are comparable to state averages. For detailed reports, visit the school district’s website or consult state education statistics.

Is Dodge City considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Dodge City’s safety score is 68.0 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety. While it is lower than the national average, many residents feel secure in their neighborhoods. Common concerns involve property crimes, which are monitored by local law enforcement. Community watch programs and neighborhood associations often help maintain safety. For the latest crime statistics, check the city’s public safety repor...

What public transportation options are available in Dodge City? Getting Around 1 answer

Public transportation in Dodge City is limited. A city transit authority operates a small bus network that covers key commercial and residential areas. The service runs on a fixed schedule and is designed to connect residents with shopping centers, schools, and medical facilities. For detailed routes and times, consult the city transit authority’s website or local transit maps.

What healthcare facilities are available in Dodge City? Healthcare 1 answer

Dodge City hosts several healthcare facilities that provide primary care, urgent care, and specialty services. Clinics offer routine checkups and chronic disease management, while hospitals handle more complex treatments. Many providers accept a range of insurance plans. For specific services, search the city’s healthcare directory or contact local medical centers directly.

What are some popular outdoor activities in Dodge City? Things to Do 1 answer

Dodge City offers a variety of outdoor experiences. Nearby state parks feature trails for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation. The city’s parks and recreation department maintains playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Seasonal events such as farmers markets and outdoor concerts also provide community engagement. Checking the city’s parks website will give current schedules and trail maps.

What is the best time of year to move to Dodge City? Moving Here 1 answer

Spring and early fall are ideal for moving to Dodge City. During these seasons, temperatures are mild, and rainfall is moderate, making travel and moving logistics smoother. Summers can be hot, and winters may bring occasional snow or ice. Planning your move during a shoulder season can reduce weather-related delays and keep costs lower.

What is the overall vibe of Dodge City? General 1 answer

Dodge City has a small‑town feel with a strong sense of community. Residents often participate in local festivals, community events, and volunteer activities. The city balances a historic western heritage with modern conveniences. People value friendliness, neighborliness, and a slower pace of life. Visiting local neighborhoods and attending community gatherings can give you a firsthand sense of the town’s character.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Dodge City? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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