Real Estate Investing in Lawrence, Kansas
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Lawrence, KS? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (75/100)
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(47/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
CLEAN
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Lawrence, KS?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$268,296
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,418
ZIP Codes
5
Market Trends — Lawrence, KS
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Lawrence, KS. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Lawrence, KS Updated 141 days ago
Lawrence, KS is experiencing significant infrastructure development and business expansions, though single-family home construction continues to decline.
Opportunities
- Construction began in Fall 2024 on the South Lawrence Trafficway (K-10/SLT) widening project, expected to finish by 2028. — This project will improve safety and mobility, and alleviate traffic congestion. Kansas Dept. of Transportation
- Costco has filed plans to build a 166,000-square-foot store with a 24-pump fueling station in northwest Lawrence. — This will provide new retail options, discount gasoline, and create new jobs. Lawrence Journal-World
- U.S. Engineering Metalworks is expanding with a new 75,000-square-foot production facility in VenturePark, starting construction in October 2025. — This expansion is expected to add 30 new jobs in its first year. U.S. Engineering
- The City of Lawrence began construction in late March 2025 on the Jayhawk Watershed Improvements Project. — This project will upgrade aging stormwater infrastructure and reduce localized flooding. City of Lawrence
- A Savers thrift store is planned for the former Office Depot location at 2525 Iowa Street, with an $800,000 remodel permit filed in December 2025. — This provides a new retail option and additional choices for consumers. Lawrence Journal-World
Concerns
- Lawrence is on pace to set another record low for single-family housing starts in 2025, following a record low in 2024. — This restricts housing choice and contributes to increasing housing prices. Lawrence Journal-World
- The Jayhawk Watershed Improvements Project, starting in March 2025, will impact traffic, parking, and access in the area for an extended period. — This imposes temporary inconvenience and potential detours for residents and businesses. City of Lawrence
- The Maple Lane improvements project, starting late 2024, will cause temporary traffic restrictions on Maple Lane and 19th Street until Summer 2026. — This will lead to temporary traffic disruptions and potential delays for commuters. City of Lawrence
- Residential solid waste rates are set to increase by 5.5% each year from 2026 to 2028, and stormwater rates will increase by 6% in 2026. — These increases impose additional costs on residents and businesses. Lawrence Journal-World
Bottom line: Lawrence is actively investing in major infrastructure upgrades and attracting new businesses, but faces ongoing challenges with declining single-family home construction and rising utility costs.
Local news & events in Lawrence, KS Updated 141 days ago
Lawrence residents face ongoing concerns regarding housing affordability and safety, while community events and environmental initiatives continue.
Opportunities
- Lawrence will host Team Algeria's base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the University of Kansas' Rock Chalk Park. — This event is expected to attract up to 15,000 people, boosting local economy and tourism. KCUR
- The City of Lawrence received Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Funding in February 2026. — This funding supports efforts to improve environmental quality and sustainability. City of Lawrence
- Numerous artisan fairs and community festivals are scheduled throughout 2025 and 2026, including the Autumn Harvest Festival and Art in the Park. — These events provide opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs and offer cultural engagement for residents. Downtown Lawrence Inc / City of Lawrence
- The City of Lawrence's water quality consistently met or exceeded all Federal and State standards for safe drinking water in 2024. — This ensures access to safe and reliable drinking water for all residents. City of Lawrence
Concerns
- A recent survey (July-October 2023) found that two-thirds of Douglas County renters experienced rent increases, with nearly half seeing increases of $100 or more per month. — Rising rents contribute to housing unaffordability, restricting housing choices for many residents. Lawrence Journal-World
- Detection of Hepatitis A virus in the Lawrence Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Facility in mid-January 2026 suggests ongoing community transmission. — This indicates a public health concern that could lead to illness and increased healthcare costs. Heartland Community Health Center
- City staff recommended repealing a 2020 ordinance outlining clean energy goals, citing unrealistic targets, as the city only achieved 3% renewable energy for municipal operations by 2025. — This could delay progress towards environmental sustainability and climate protection goals. Lawrence Journal-World
- Douglas County faces alarming behavioral health trends, including rising suicide rates and one in four adults diagnosed with a depressive disorder. — These issues impact the overall well-being and health of the community, potentially increasing demand for mental health services. LDC Public Health
- Lawrence's water contains measurable levels of arsenic, atrazine, chlorate, chromium-6, nitrate, radium, and total trihalomethanes at levels health experts warn against for long-term consumption. — Despite meeting EPA legal minimums, these contaminants pose potential long-term health risks to residents. SoftPro Water Systems
Bottom line: Lawrence is actively engaging in community events and environmental initiatives, but faces significant challenges with housing affordability, public health concerns, and achieving ambitious clean energy goals.
Schools in Lawrence, KS Updated 141 days ago
Lawrence Public Schools is experiencing declining enrollment, leading to budget adjustments, while also investing in facility upgrades and new educational programs.
Opportunities
- The district is launching a new Choice Campus at Centennial program in Fall 2026, offering high school students a flexible learning environment. — This expands educational choices and personalized learning opportunities for students. Lawrence Journal-World
- Preschool enrollment in the district increased by almost 20% in the 2025-2026 school year due to new classrooms. — This expands early childhood education access and addresses community childcare needs. Lawrence Journal-World
- Liberty Memorial Central Middle School launched a STEAM initiative in 2024-2025, leading to a 9% enrollment increase. — This expands specialized learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Lawrence Journal-World
- New York Montessori program has seen an increase of 49 students since its launch in 2022-2023. — This offers an alternative educational approach and expands program diversity. Lawrence Journal-World
- The district approved a resolution in September 2025 to refund bonds, aiming for at least $1.5 million in fiscal savings. — This aims to reduce the local tax burden by lowering interest expenses. Lawrence Public Schools
Concerns
- The district's enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is 2% lower than the previous year, continuing a longer trend. — Declining enrollment can lead to budget shortfalls and potential program or staffing cuts. Lawrence Journal-World
- Federal funding for at least one student nutrition project was frozen, and another nutrition program was canceled in March 2025. — This restricts access to important support services for students. Lawrence Journal-World
- Budget cuts in May 2022 resulted in the equivalent of 72 fewer teaching staff members, leading to increased class sizes and reduced elective options. — This restricts student access to individualized attention and diverse course offerings. YouTube (FOX4 News Kansas City)
- The district diverts over $14 million from its general fund to cover shortfalls in state special education funding. — This imposes an unconsented cost on local taxpayers and diverts funds from other district needs. Lawrence Public Schools
Bottom line: Lawrence Public Schools faces ongoing enrollment declines and federal funding challenges, while actively expanding specialized programs and upgrading facilities.
Civic & policy in Lawrence, KS Updated 141 days ago
Lawrence, KS has seen significant changes in zoning, taxes, and state legislation impacting housing and local governance.
Opportunities
- The City of Lawrence adopted a new Land Development Code on January 15, 2025, effective April 1, 2025. — This code allows for more diverse housing types like accessory dwelling units and multi-plexes, increasing housing options and affordability. City of Lawrence
- The new Land Development Code includes maximum parking standards for commercial developments, rather than minimums. — This change can reduce development costs and decrease impervious surfaces, benefiting the environment. City of Lawrence
- Lawrence City Commissioners approved rezoning near the University of Kansas to "very high density" (R-5) on December 10, 2025. — This rezoning aims to provide more housing options around the university campus. Lawrence Journal-World
- Douglas County commissioners approved a tenant eviction defense pilot program on April 22, 2026. — This program provides free legal eviction defense services to eligible tenants, aiming to stabilize housing and prevent homelessness. Lawrence Journal-World
- Kansas Senate Bill 269, passed June 16, 2025, conditionally lowers personal income tax rates starting in 2025. — This could lead to a gradual decrease in state income tax rates for residents, potentially increasing disposable income. Ernst & Young LLP
Concerns
- Lawrence commissioners adopted a 2026 budget on September 16, 2025, that includes a slight property tax increase. — This increases costs for property owners in Lawrence. Lawrence Journal-World
- The 2026 Lawrence budget also adds new membership fees for the city's Parks, Recreation and Culture recreation centers. — This imposes new costs for residents to access public recreational facilities. Lawrence Journal-World
- Kansas Legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto on April 13, 2026, enacting Senate Bill 391. — This state law invalidates a 2023 Lawrence ordinance prohibiting landlords from denying leases based on public assistance, potentially restricting housing choices for some residen… Lawrence Journal-World
- Douglas County has kept data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations on hold since 2024, with no timeline for regulations. — This delay prevents potential economic development and job creation from these industries within the county. Lawrence Journal-World
- Governor Kelly vetoed a state bill on April 28, 2026, that would have allowed protest petitions to stop city and county property tax increases. — This maintains existing limitations on residents' ability to directly challenge local property tax increases. Lawrence Journal-World
Bottom line: Lawrence is experiencing a push for increased housing density and affordability, alongside rising local taxes and state-level preemption of local ordinances.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Best ZIP codes in Lawrence, KS
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in Lawrence, KS. Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Avg Home Value
$268,296
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,418
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (KS)
★★★★★
☀️
Warm Market
— Lawrence, KS metro
0
Days to pending
10.4%
Listings with price cuts
0.0%
Sale-to-list ratio
📅 Data as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Lawrence
3 Colleges
29,320 Students
6,045 Off-Campus Renters
B
4-Year Public · 28,406 students
📍 ~5,965 students rent off-campus
C+
2-Year For-Profit · 36 students
C+
4-Year Public · 878 students
Investor Insight: With 6,045 students living off-campus, Lawrence has substantial rental demand from the college population — typically stable, lease-renewing tenants.
Neighborhoods in Lawrence
Babcock
5 ZIP codes
Barker
5 ZIP codes
Brook Creek
5 ZIP codes
Centennial
5 ZIP codes
Deerfield
5 ZIP codes
East Lawrence
5 ZIP codes
Indian Hills
5 ZIP codes
Old West Lawrence
5 ZIP codes
Oread
5 ZIP codes
Park Hill
5 ZIP codes
Perry Park
5 ZIP codes
Pinckeny
5 ZIP codes
Prairie Park
5 ZIP codes
Quail Run
5 ZIP codes
Sunset Hills
5 ZIP codes
University Place
5 ZIP codes
Western Hills
5 ZIP codes
ZIP Codes in Lawrence, KS
Screen every ZIP in Lawrence
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Lawrence, KS
Is Lawrence, KS a good place for real estate investing?
Yes - Lawrence, KS a 3.0/5 investability score. With $268K home prices against $1,418/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Lawrence, KS?
Expect elevated vacancy in Lawrence, KS. Rents at $1,418/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
How do experienced investors play Lawrence, KS?
The best-fit strategy in Lawrence, KS is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
Are renters plentiful in Lawrence, KS?
Working renters make up the core of the Lawrence, KS tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Lawrence, KS?
Average rent in Lawrence, KS is approximately $1,418/mo per month. Against $268K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
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