Colby, KS
Population 5,389 · Kansas
About Colby, KS
Colby is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 5,389 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,731 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.7 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 Colby features a median home value of $150,700, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Colby in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $736, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,443 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (1,455 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (635 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Colby shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Colby have an average one-way commute time of 9.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.9% of Colby residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.9% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Colby, KS
Compared to national averages, Colby has a median household income of $66,731 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $150,700, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $736 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Colby's income is 4% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 32% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Colby, KS?
Colby offers affordable housing with a median home value of $150,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $736/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 9.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,731) that falls below the national average. However, Colby’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Colby has a population of 5,389 with a median age of 32.7 years. Compare Colby with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Colby
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iola | 5,368 | $50,417 | $78,100 | Compare |
| Goddard | 5,361 | $92,220 | $203,500 | Compare |
| Tonganoxie | 5,693 | $77,500 | $227,700 | Compare |
| Concordia | 5,067 | $50,213 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Louisburg | 5,034 | $75,556 | $257,600 | Compare |
| Paola | 5,757 | $73,281 | $195,000 | Compare |
| Ulysses | 5,812 | $63,765 | $123,100 | Compare |
| Mulvane | 5,829 | $70,224 | $168,900 | 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 Colby
What is the population of Colby, KS?
The population of Colby, KS is 5,389 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 Colby?
The median household income in Colby, KS is $66,731 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Colby?
The median home value in Colby, KS is $150,700, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Colby?
The median monthly rent in Colby, KS is $736, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Colby?
The unemployment rate in Colby, KS is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Colby, KS a good place to live?
Colby offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,389 and a median age of 32.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Colby, KS?
29.9% of residents in Colby 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 Colby?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Colby, KS: median home value is $150,700 (38% below national), median rent is $736/month, and median household income is $66,731. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Colby?
The poverty rate in Colby, KS is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Colby, KS?
Colby's population is 7.9% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.