Blue Rapids, KS
Population 918 · Kansas
About Blue Rapids, KS
Blue Rapids is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 918 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,136 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.4 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 Blue Rapids features a median home value of $55,200, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Blue Rapids one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $775, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 452 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (337 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (83 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Blue Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Blue Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Blue Rapids 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 0.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Blue Rapids, KS
Compared to national averages, Blue Rapids has a median household income of $51,136 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $55,200, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $775 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Blue Rapids's income is 20% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 52% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Blue Rapids, KS?
Blue Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $55,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $775/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,136) that falls below the national average. However, Blue Rapids’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Blue Rapids has a population of 918 with a median age of 46.4 years. Compare Blue Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Blue Rapids
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weir | 910 | $51,625 | $55,400 | Compare |
| Whitewater | 900 | $71,875 | $123,700 | Compare |
| Benton | 896 | $89,531 | $179,600 | Compare |
| Lake Quivira | 942 | $176,607 | $733,100 | Compare |
| Madison | 943 | $52,750 | $48,600 | Compare |
| Cottonwood Falls | 944 | $48,631 | $85,200 | Compare |
| Linn Valley | 944 | $51,694 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Oxford | 892 | $57,227 | $117,200 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Rapids
What is the population of Blue Rapids, KS?
The population of Blue Rapids, KS is 918 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Blue Rapids?
The median household income in Blue Rapids, KS is $51,136 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Blue Rapids?
The median home value in Blue Rapids, KS is $55,200, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Blue Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Blue Rapids, KS is $775, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Blue Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Blue Rapids, KS is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Blue Rapids, KS a good place to live?
Blue Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 918 and a median age of 46.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Blue Rapids, KS?
17.4% of residents in Blue Rapids 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 Blue Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Blue Rapids, KS: median home value is $55,200 (77% below national), median rent is $775/month, and median household income is $51,136. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Blue Rapids?
The poverty rate in Blue Rapids, KS is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Blue Rapids, KS?
Blue Rapids's population is 0.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.