Fort Scott 66 Good
Fort Scott Livability #258 ranked city in Kansas#11,186 ranked city in the USARanks better than 61% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Scott

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Fort Scott?

Fort Scott is a smaller city located in the state of Kansas. The city has a population of 7,902 people. At 89%, the majority of the Fort Scott population is White; this is followed by 6% Black and 0% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Fort Scott. With an average one way commute time of only 14 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Fort Scott can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Kansas, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Fort Scott and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, employment and other important metrics.

Fort Scott, KS receives 65 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #282 in Kansas and #12,034 in the USA. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Fort Scott ranks well for housing (A). Fort Scott does not do well for the following: amenities (F), crime (D), education (D) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Managing monthly expenses, from grocery bills to never-ending utility costs, can swiftly accumulate. Fortunately, we're delighted to share that the cost of living in Fort Scott is 24.45% lower than the national average. This translates to a tangible reduction in those persistent monthly expenditures, making Fort Scott a city where you can anticipate lower costs across the board when compared to many other urban areas. This financial advantage not only eases the burden of day-to-day living but also allows for a more budget-friendly lifestyle, ensuring that your hard-earned money goes further and providing an appealing incentive for those seeking to improve their financial well-being in a world where expenses continue to rise.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Fort Scott, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.4% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Fort Scott apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that Fort Scott meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Fort Scott. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Fort Scott are simply unattainable. The median home price for Fort Scott homes is $116,961, which is 52.6% lower than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fort Scott, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 30% lower than the Kansas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fort Scott

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Fort Scott?

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      Fort Scott transportation information

      Statistic Fort Scott Kansas National
      Average one way commute14min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.2%82.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.9%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.2%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home8.7%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Fort Scott, KS data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.