Why Live in Lawrence
Lawrence's historic Massachusetts Street forms the cultural heart of this college town, with locally-owned shops, art galleries, and music venues like The Bottleneck and Granada Theater hosting national acts. The University of Kansas brings a youthful energy through its iconic Allen Fieldhouse basketball games and the Spencer Museum of Art's diverse collections. Outdoor recreation surrounds the city, from Clinton Lake's boating and swimming to the Kansas River's kayaking opportunities and the expanding 22-mile Lawrence Loop Trail system.
The housing market features diverse options across established neighborhoods. Single family homes in West Lawrence command a median price of $539,900, while East Lawrence homes have a median price of $302,400. The historic Old West Lawrence neighborhood shows a median single family home price of $390,000. Condominiums present more affordable options, with one-bedroom units at a median of $132,000 and two-bedroom units at $152,100. The overall median home sale price in Lawrence sits at $324,000.
Property taxes in Douglas County run at an effective rate of 1.25%, lower than neighboring Topeka and Kansas City at 1.47%. The Kansas state income tax rate is 5.20% for a yearly salary of $39,362, with a combined sales tax rate of 8.77%. Lawrence's proximity to Kansas City, just 40 miles east via I-70, allows for a reasonable 45-minute commute. The Lawrence Transit System provides public transportation throughout the city. Top-rated schools include Langston Hughes Elementary and Bishop Seabury Academy, both earning "A" ratings from Niche. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers reaching the 90s and cold winters bringing occasional snow.
Home Trends in Lawrence, KS
On average, homes in Lawrence, KS sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Lawrence, KS over the last 12 months is $324,950, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$324,950
Median Single Family Sale Price
$349,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$268,250
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$152,302
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$129,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$195
Number of Homes for Sale
177
Last 12 months Home Sales
1,640
Median List Price
$329,925
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%