Lawrence
RANK #412 / 996 NAT · #7 / 10 KS · POP 119,094
1YR FORECAST: +2.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Douglas County, Kansas, stands out for its unique blend of academic energy and historical significance, largely centered around its most populous city, Lawrence. Home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence provides a dynamic atmosphere with a walkable downtown featuring shops, restaurants, and music venues. Located in northeast Kansas, approximately 41 miles west of Kansas City, the county offers a commute that connects residents to larger metropolitan areas while maintaining a distinct community feel. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Clinton State Park, offering camping, fishing, and trails, or enjoy other county parks like Lone Star Lake Park, which provides opportunities for picnicking, swimming, and boating.
Life in Douglas County balances academic and cultural pursuits with access to natural spaces. The public schools in Douglas County are highly rated, contributing to its appeal for families. Commute options within Lawrence include fixed-route bus services, with additional paratransit and on-demand options available. The county's economy benefits from its educational institutions and its position between two metropolitan areas. Recent economic developments show growth in sectors such as data centers, energy, and infrastructure, attracting a skilled workforce. The local food economy also plays a role, with a focus on local producers and food-related businesses.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Center Campus (Flint Commerce Center)
Undisclosed (developer)
|
$700M | Proposed |
|
Kansas Sky Energy Center (159 MW Solar Farm)
Savion (developer), Evergy (owner/operator)
|
$159M | Planned |
|
Judicial and Law Enforcement Center (JLEC) Expansion & Public Safety Building
Douglas County
|
$89M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Douglas County scores 58/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#412). Median household income is $66,153 and job growth is running at +1.2%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Douglas County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $259,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.25, with rents averaging $1,041/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Douglas County are hiring — job growth of +1.2% — but the population is close to flat (+0.3% YoY). Home values moved +2.7% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
In significant numbers — 6.6% of Douglas County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.