Clay Center, KS
Population 4,148 · Kansas
About Clay Center, KS
Clay Center is a small community in Kansas with a population of 4,148 residents. The median household income is $56,422 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Clay Center is 42.1 years.
Housing in Clay Center has a median home value of $133,600 and median monthly rent of $950. Of the 2,017 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,140 owner-occupied and 760 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Clay Center is 1.6% and the poverty rate is 11.5%. 17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.9 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Clay Center?
The median household income in Clay Center, KS is $56,422 per year.
What is the median home value in Clay Center?
The median home value in Clay Center, KS is $133,600.
What is the average rent in Clay Center?
The median monthly rent in Clay Center, KS is $950.
What is the unemployment rate in Clay Center?
The unemployment rate in Clay Center, KS is 1.6%.