Fort Scott, KS, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 7,552, Fort Scott is a small Midwestern town that offers little in the way of career opportunities or cosmopolitan amenities. The median household income is a meager $37,279, and over 18% of the population lives below the poverty line. The climate is harsh, with temperatures exceeding 90°F on over 50 afternoons per year and dropping below freezing for over 100 mornings. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the devastating 2005 downtown fire that destroyed several historic buildings. For those seeking a slow-paced, affordable way of life, Fort Scott may fit the bill, but ambitious professionals and families will likely find the town lacking.