Arkansas City, KS
Population 11,909 · Kansas
About Arkansas City, KS
Arkansas City is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 11,909 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,475 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Arkansas City features a median home value of $81,700, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Arkansas City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $762, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,537 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (2,981 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,731 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Arkansas City shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Arkansas City have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Arkansas City 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 11.4% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 10.6% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Arkansas City Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Arkansas City, KS
Compared to national averages, Arkansas City has a median household income of $53,475 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $81,700, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $762 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Arkansas City's income is 16% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 28% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Arkansas City, KS?
Arkansas City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $81,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $762/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,475) that falls below the national average. However, Arkansas City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Arkansas City has a population of 11,909 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Arkansas City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Arkansas City
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winfield | 11,731 | $58,140 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Lansing | 11,229 | $100,871 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Ottawa | 12,632 | $64,655 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Haysville | 11,117 | $69,057 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Merriam | 11,036 | $71,665 | $242,400 | Compare |
| El Dorado | 12,882 | $54,828 | $113,800 | Compare |
| Atchison | 10,795 | $54,695 | $130,200 | Compare |
| Mission | 9,928 | $74,396 | $268,500 | 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 Arkansas City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Arkansas City
What is the population of Arkansas City, KS?
The population of Arkansas City, KS is 11,909 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Arkansas City?
The median household income in Arkansas City, KS is $53,475 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arkansas City?
The median home value in Arkansas City, KS is $81,700, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Arkansas City?
The median monthly rent in Arkansas City, KS is $762, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arkansas City?
The unemployment rate in Arkansas City, KS is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Arkansas City, KS a good place to live?
Arkansas City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,909 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Arkansas City, KS?
19.9% of residents in Arkansas City 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 Arkansas City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arkansas City, KS: median home value is $81,700 (67% below national), median rent is $762/month, and median household income is $53,475. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Arkansas City?
The poverty rate in Arkansas City, KS is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Arkansas City, KS?
Arkansas City's population is 11.4% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 10.6% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.