Clay Center, KS
Population 4,148 · Kansas
About Clay Center, KS
Clay Center is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 4,148 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,422 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 Clay Center features a median home value of $133,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clay Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $950, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,017 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (1,140 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (760 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clay Center shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clay Center have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of Clay Center 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 2.5% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clay Center, KS
Compared to national averages, Clay Center has a median household income of $56,422 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,600, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $950 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Clay Center's income is 12% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 17% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Clay Center, KS?
Clay Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $950/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,422) that falls below the national average. However, Clay Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clay Center has a population of 4,148 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Clay Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Clay Center
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairway | 4,177 | $159,821 | $626,600 | Compare |
| Wamego | 4,205 | $82,756 | $187,700 | Compare |
| Hugoton | 4,065 | $60,437 | $118,400 | Compare |
| Osawatomie | 4,244 | $55,612 | $137,400 | Compare |
| Russell | 4,258 | $51,347 | $109,400 | Compare |
| Scott City | 3,955 | $54,026 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Rose Hill | 4,353 | $98,827 | $213,400 | Compare |
| Goodland | 3,878 | $53,929 | $112,800 | 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 Clay Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clay Center
What is the population of Clay Center, KS?
The population of Clay Center, KS is 4,148 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 Clay Center?
The median household income in Clay Center, KS is $56,422 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clay Center?
The median home value in Clay Center, KS is $133,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clay Center?
The median monthly rent in Clay Center, KS is $950, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clay Center?
The unemployment rate in Clay Center, KS is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clay Center, KS a good place to live?
Clay Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,148 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clay Center, KS?
17.6% of residents in Clay Center 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 Clay Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clay Center, KS: median home value is $133,600 (45% below national), median rent is $950/month, and median household income is $56,422. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clay Center?
The poverty rate in Clay Center, KS is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Clay Center, KS?
Clay Center's population is 2.5% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.