With a population of 116,000, Lawrence experienced a 16 percent growth spurt from 2000 to 2009. The city鈥檚 demographics are tied intrinsically to the University of Kansas, which had an overall enrollment of 28,718 students last fall. Almost 95 percent of Lawrence鈥檚 residents have a high school diploma; over half have a bachelor鈥檚 degree or higher. Professional and related occupations account for more than a third of all jobs in Lawrence, compared with 22.7 percent nationwide. The city鈥檚 housing market is strong, with a median value of $172,900, $50,000 more than the state average. In 2011, Parents & Colleges advice website named Lawrence (again) as one of America鈥檚 10 best college towns, citing the city鈥檚 public art exhibits, the Lawrence Arts Center, Kansas River activity opportunities, and the city鈥檚 50 parks.
Ed Zurga/AP/File
