RANK #251 / 996 · POP 119,094 · KS
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.8%
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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| 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 has a Boom Town Index score of 75/100, ranking #251 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.2% and a median household income of $66,153, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Douglas County is $259,500 with median rent at $1,041/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2549, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.2%. Home values changed +2.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.6% of Douglas County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.