Abilene, KS
Population 6,449 · Kansas
About Abilene, KS
Abilene is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 6,449 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,592 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Abilene features a median home value of $136,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Abilene one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $788, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,258 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (2,265 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (768 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Abilene shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Abilene have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.7% of Abilene residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Abilene, KS
Compared to national averages, Abilene has a median household income of $56,592 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,000, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $788 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Abilene's income is 12% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 19% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Abilene, KS?
Abilene offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $788/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,592) that falls below the national average. However, Abilene’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Abilene has a population of 6,449 with a median age of 43.7 years. Compare Abilene with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Abilene
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pratt | 6,559 | $63,512 | $103,300 | Compare |
| De Soto | 6,333 | $105,500 | $370,700 | Compare |
| Roeland Park | 6,800 | $89,385 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Eudora | 6,036 | $106,356 | $231,500 | Compare |
| Maize | 5,990 | $68,750 | $280,500 | Compare |
| Mulvane | 5,829 | $70,224 | $168,900 | Compare |
| Ulysses | 5,812 | $63,765 | $123,100 | Compare |
| Paola | 5,757 | $73,281 | $195,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Abilene With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Abilene
What is the population of Abilene, KS?
The population of Abilene, KS is 6,449 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Abilene?
The median household income in Abilene, KS is $56,592 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Abilene?
The median home value in Abilene, KS is $136,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Abilene?
The median monthly rent in Abilene, KS is $788, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Abilene?
The unemployment rate in Abilene, KS is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Abilene, KS a good place to live?
Abilene offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,449 and a median age of 43.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Abilene, KS?
20.7% of residents in Abilene aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Abilene?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Abilene, KS: median home value is $136,000 (44% below national), median rent is $788/month, and median household income is $56,592. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Abilene?
The poverty rate in Abilene, KS is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Abilene, KS?
Abilene's population is 3.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.