Lawrence, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
96,051
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,009/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
44,098
0.1% year-over-year change

Lawrence population

How many people live in Lawrence

Lawrence is home to 96,051 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Lawrence locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
96,051
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
46,898
Female
51.2%
49,153
Value Percent YoY change
Male 46,898 48.8% -0.3%
Female 49,153 51.2% 1.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Lawrence is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.8% are children under 15, then 28.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 16.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.8%
15 to 24
28.8%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
16.6%
Over 65
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,275 13.8% 0.2%
15 to 24 27,715 28.8% -0.7%
25 to 44 26,906 28% 2.9%
45 to 64 15,984 16.6% -2.7%
Over 65 12,171 12.7% 3.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Lawrence, 91.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.2% of locals are Caucasian, 5% are African American and 5.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 87,614 91.2% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,184 4.4% 15.0%
Non-citizens 4,253 4.4% -9.6%
Racial breakdown
White
75.2%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
5.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.8%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 72,207 75.2%
Black or African American 4,821 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,409 1.5%
Asian 4,941 5.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 16 0%
Two or more races 11,286 11.8%
Other 1,371 1.4%

Households in Lawrence

A peek inside Lawrence households

Lawrence has 41,129 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47% are families, while the remaining 53% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
41,129
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
21,806
Family households
19,323
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21,806 53% -1.0%
Family households 19,323 47% 2.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Lawrence

The housing landscape of Lawrence

Lawrence's housing consists of 44,098 units, with 46.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
44,098
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 20,326 46.1%
1 unit, attached 4,393 10%
2 units 1,299 3%
3 or 4 units 3,191 7.2%
5 to 9 units 3,792 8.6%
10 to 19 units 4,930 11.2%
20 to 49 units 3,206 7.3%
50 or more units 2,263 5.1%
Mobile home 668 1.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 30 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
1,158
11.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lawrence

In Lawrence, the median construction year is 1988. About 9.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,251 9.6% 0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 794 1.8% 8.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,563 5.8% 0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,612 10.5% 3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,167 11.7% -3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,881 13.3% -0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,068 16% -7.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,886 15.6% 1.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,718 13% 6.4%
Built in 2020 or later 1,158 2.6% 11.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Lawrence occupancy rates

Out of the 41,129 occupied housing units in Lawrence, 43.6% are owner-occupied, while 56.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
41,129
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23,198
Owner occupied
17,931
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23,198 56.4% -0.9%
Owner occupied 17,931 43.6% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
6.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Lawrence housing costs

Housing costs in Lawrence come to a median of $1,199 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,091.

Median housing costs per month
$1,199/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Lawrence
$1,091/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Lawrence

Lawrence education at a glance

About 21.9% of the population in Lawrence went to high school, while 29.1% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 24.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 803 1% -13.6%
High school diploma 17,637 21.9% 4.2%
College diploma 23,400 29.1% 1.0%
Associate degree 3,763 4.7% -11.7%
Bachelor's degree 19,607 24.4% -3.3%
Graduate degree 15,170 18.9% 7.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Lawrence

How much people earn in Lawrence

The average annual household income in Lawrence was $90,893 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,009, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lawrence
$90,893/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lawrence
$65,009/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Lawrence income by age

In Lawrence, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,304. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,116 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,718, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $71,387 in earnings. Overall, 82.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,718 2.9%
25 - 44 $74,304 1.7%
45 - 64 $94,116 7.6%
Over 65 $71,387 6.6%
Above poverty level
72,513
Below poverty level
15,343
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 72,513 82.5% 0.8%
Below poverty level 15,343 17.5% -0.6%

Average renter income in Lawrence

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lawrence, their median household income was $41,008 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,008
Rent-to-income ratio
31.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lawrence

Workforce and job types in Lawrence

The job market in Lawrence is powered by 54,590 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 61.3% are employed by private companies, and 21.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
54,590
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
46,488
Blue collar
8,102
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 46,488 85.2% 0.7%
Blue collar 8,102 14.8% -0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
61.3%
Governmental workers
21.3%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,808 7% 2.1%
Private companies 33,470 61.3% 1.0%
Governmental workers 11,619 21.3% -1.6%
Not for profit companies 5,693 10.4% 0.7%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-12.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lawrence stands at 4.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Lawrence

How people get around in Lawrence

In Lawrence, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 74.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
0.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 40,064 74.7% -1.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1,547 2.9% -8.1%
Subway or elevated 19 0% N/A
Motorcycle 71 0.1% 65.1%
Bicycle 626 1.2% 7.8%
Walk 2,464 4.6% 2.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Lawrence by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
66044 28,820 11,618 $55,955 $79,003
66045 1,925 31 $13,750 $18,584
66046 19,658 8,788 $65,478 $78,145
66047 20,473 9,095 $65,392 $90,023
66049 32,015 14,540 $90,147 $117,102

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FAQs about Lawrence demographics 

What is the total population of Lawrence?

Lawrence has a total population of 96,051 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lawrence?

The gender ratio in Lawrence is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (46,898 residents)
  • 51.2% females (49,153 residents)

What is the median age in Lawrence?

The median age in Lawrence is 29.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lawrence?

The age distribution in Lawrence is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.8% (13,275 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 28.8% (27,715 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (26,906 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.6% (15,984 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.7% (12,171 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lawrence?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawrence is as follows:
  • White: 75.2% (72,207 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (4,821 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (1,409 residents)
  • Asian: 5.1% (4,941 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (16 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.8% (11,286 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (1,371 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lawrence are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.2% of the population in Lawrence.

How many housing units are there in Lawrence?

There are 44,098 housing units in Lawrence, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lawrence and what is the average household size?

Lawrence has a total of 41,129 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lawrence?

Lawrence has a median household income of $65,009, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lawrence?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Lawrence, with a workforce of 54,590 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.2% (46,488 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.8% (8,102 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (3,808 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.3% (33,470 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.3% (11,619 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (5,693 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025