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Lawrence, KS

Frequently asked questions

Lawrence, KS

Lawrence is a city in and the county seat of Douglas County, Kansas, United States, and the sixth-largest city in the state. It is in the northeastern sector of the state, astride Interstate 70, between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 94,934. Lawrence as well as Douglas County are part of the Kansas City–Overland Park–Kansas City, Missouri Combined Statistical Area. Lawrence is a college town and the home to both the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

Lawrence was founded by the New England Emigrant Aid Company (NEEAC) and was named for Amos A. Lawrence, an abolitionist from Massachusetts, who offered financial aid and support for the settlement. Lawrence was central to the Bleeding Kansas period (1854–1861), and the site of the Wakarusa War (1855) and the Sacking of Lawrence (1856). During the American Civil War it was also the site of the Lawrence massacre (1863).

Lawrence began as a center of free-state politics. Its economy diversified into many industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and education, beginning with the founding of the University of Kansas in 1865 and Haskell Indian Nations University in 1884.

Lawrence is located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Topeka, and 35 mi (56 km) west of Kansas City, Kansas. Though Lawrence has a designated elevation of 866 feet (264 m), the highest elevation is Mount Oread on the University of Kansas campus with an elevation of 1,020 feet (310 m).

The city lies on the southern edge of the Dissected Till Plains, bordering the Osage Plains to the south. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.26 square miles (88.73 km²), of which, 33.56 square miles (86.92 km²) is land and 0.70 square miles (1.81 km2) is water, and is split between Wakarusa Township and Grant Township with small portions in Lecompton, Kanwaka and Clinton Townships.

Lawrence is between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. Several major creeks flow through Lawrence. Burroughs Creek in East Lawrence (named after the writer William S. Burroughs, who retired in East Lawrence) and Baldwin Creek in northwestern Lawrence empty into the Kansas River. Yankee Tank Creek in southwest Lawrence and an unnamed creek that flows through central Lawrence converge with the Wakarusa River south of the city. Yankee Tank Creek is dammed to form Lake Alvamar, which was originally called Yankee Tank Lake. The Wakarusa River was dammed to form Clinton Lake. Potter Lake is on the University of Kansas Campus and Mary's Lake is in southeastern Lawrence within Prairie Park. The Haskell-Baker Wetlands, maintained by Haskell University and Baker University, is an extensive open space in the southern part of the city that features wetlands, native plants, hiking and biking trails, and interpretative signage about the prairie and wetland ecosystems.

Lawrence has 54 parks which include community and neighborhood parks, trails, cemeteries and nature preserves. A new, multi-use trail system called the Lawrence Loop ("the Loop") encircles the city and, when fully completed, will create a 22-mile paved recreational trail, a green transportation network, and multiple opportunities for environmental restoration. Community parks include South Park, Buford Watson Park, Broken Arrow Park, Riverfront Park, Holcomb Park, "Dad" Perry Park, Centennial Park and Prairie Park. Cemeteries include Oak Hill, Maple Grove and Memorial Park. The first cemetery in Lawrence, Pioneer Cemetery, is on the University of Kansas campus and is maintained by KU.

In terms of health and wellness, Lawrence prioritizes the well-being of its residents. Lawrence Memorial Hospital stands as a cornerstone of the city's healthcare infrastructure, offering comprehensive medical services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Body Boutique Fitness and Crunch Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lawrence, such as the George Latham Trail and Lawrence Loop Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lawrence, KS are Spencer Museum of Art, Watkins Community Museum-History, KU Natural History Museum, and Clinton State Park.

Population: 96,207 (2023). ZIP code: 66044. Area code: 785. Elevation: 991 ft (302 m). Area: 34.97 sq mi (90.57 km²).

FAQs

What is Lawrence, KS famous for?

Lawrence is located in northeast Kansas, approximately 40 miles west of Kansas City, Missouri, and 25 miles east of Topeka, and is the county seat of Douglas County. Lawrence is a doubly-blessed college town with not one but two. The University of Kansas was founded 1866 and Haskell Indian Nations University was founded in 1884. Home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence has a fascinating pre-Civil War history, museums, galleries and sports.

Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live?

Lawrence is in Douglas County and is one of the best places to live in Kansas. Living in Lawrence offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Lawrence there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Lawrence and residents tend to have moderate political views. 

Is it expensive to live in Lawrence, KS?

The median household income in Lawrence is $71,344, and the average commute time is about 24.0 minutes. The unemployment rate here is 4.82%. If you want to buy a house in Lawrence, the median home price here is $282,698. And if youre a renter, you can expect the median rent here to be $1090.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lawrence

Lawrence Memorial Hospital 

Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department

Planet Fitness

Body Boutique Fitness 

Crunch Fitness

George Latham Trail 

Lawrence Loop Trail

Spencer Museum of Art

Watkins Community Museum-History

KU Natural History Museum

Clinton State Park

Explore Lawrence

Niche

Real Estate US News

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