Baxter Springs, KS
Population 3,863 · Kansas
About Baxter Springs, KS
Baxter Springs is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 3,863 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,139 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Baxter Springs features a median home value of $87,600, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Baxter Springs one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $792, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,736 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (1,029 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (404 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Baxter Springs shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Baxter Springs have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.0% of Baxter Springs 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 4.3% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Baxter Springs, KS
Compared to national averages, Baxter Springs has a median household income of $60,139 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,600, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $792 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Baxter Springs's income is 6% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 23% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Baxter Springs, KS?
Baxter Springs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $792/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,139) that falls below the national average. However, Baxter Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Baxter Springs has a population of 3,863 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Baxter Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Baxter Springs
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodland | 3,878 | $53,929 | $112,800 | Compare |
| Lindsborg | 3,773 | $69,559 | $178,200 | Compare |
| Scott City | 3,955 | $54,026 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Hesston | 3,747 | $72,620 | $183,000 | Compare |
| Hugoton | 4,065 | $60,437 | $118,400 | Compare |
| Clay Center | 4,148 | $56,422 | $133,600 | Compare |
| Lyons | 3,562 | $66,769 | $104,200 | Compare |
| Mission Hills | 3,556 | $250,001 | $1,183,200 | 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 Baxter Springs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Baxter Springs
What is the population of Baxter Springs, KS?
The population of Baxter Springs, KS is 3,863 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 Baxter Springs?
The median household income in Baxter Springs, KS is $60,139 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Baxter Springs?
The median home value in Baxter Springs, KS is $87,600, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Baxter Springs?
The median monthly rent in Baxter Springs, KS is $792, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Baxter Springs?
The unemployment rate in Baxter Springs, KS is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Baxter Springs, KS a good place to live?
Baxter Springs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,863 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Baxter Springs, KS?
18.0% of residents in Baxter Springs 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 Baxter Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Baxter Springs, KS: median home value is $87,600 (64% below national), median rent is $792/month, and median household income is $60,139. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Baxter Springs?
The poverty rate in Baxter Springs, KS is 19.7%, 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 Baxter Springs, KS?
Baxter Springs's population is 4.3% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.