Carbondale, KS
Population 1,361 · Kansas
About Carbondale, KS
Carbondale is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,361 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,578 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 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 Carbondale features a median home value of $112,300, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carbondale one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $606, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 590 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (392 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (183 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carbondale shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carbondale have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Carbondale 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 8.7% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Carbondale Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Carbondale, KS
Compared to national averages, Carbondale has a median household income of $67,578 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,300, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $606 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Carbondale's income is 6% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 1% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Carbondale, KS?
Carbondale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $606/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,578) that falls below the national average. However, Carbondale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carbondale has a population of 1,361 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Carbondale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Carbondale
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Cygne | 1,368 | $57,233 | $123,000 | Compare |
| Kinsley | 1,342 | $48,935 | $59,900 | Compare |
| Yates Center | 1,381 | $43,433 | $60,000 | Compare |
| Atwood | 1,388 | $66,473 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Haven | 1,394 | $59,258 | $95,000 | Compare |
| Sublette | 1,397 | $69,784 | $151,100 | Compare |
| Erie | 1,318 | $39,688 | $89,600 | Compare |
| Buhler | 1,311 | $65,833 | $126,000 | 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 Carbondale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbondale
What is the population of Carbondale, KS?
The population of Carbondale, KS is 1,361 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 Carbondale?
The median household income in Carbondale, KS is $67,578 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carbondale?
The median home value in Carbondale, KS is $112,300, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carbondale?
The median monthly rent in Carbondale, KS is $606, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carbondale?
The unemployment rate in Carbondale, KS is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carbondale, KS a good place to live?
Carbondale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,361 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Carbondale, KS?
18.8% of residents in Carbondale 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 Carbondale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carbondale, KS: median home value is $112,300 (54% below national), median rent is $606/month, and median household income is $67,578. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carbondale?
The poverty rate in Carbondale, KS is 15.2%, 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 Carbondale, KS?
Carbondale's population is 8.7% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.