El Dorado, KS
Population 12,882 · Kansas
About El Dorado, KS
El Dorado is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 12,882 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,828 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.9 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 El Dorado features a median home value of $113,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes El Dorado one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $877, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,015 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (3,228 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (2,009 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Dorado shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Dorado have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.4% of El Dorado 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 4.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How El Dorado Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in El Dorado, KS
Compared to national averages, El Dorado has a median household income of $54,828 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,800, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $877 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, El Dorado's income is 14% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 0% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in El Dorado, KS?
El Dorado offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $877/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,828) that falls below the national average. However, El Dorado’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Dorado has a population of 12,882 with a median age of 33.9 years. Compare El Dorado with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near El Dorado
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa | 12,632 | $64,655 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Arkansas City | 11,909 | $53,475 | $81,700 | Compare |
| McPherson | 13,956 | $77,746 | $204,300 | Compare |
| Winfield | 11,731 | $58,140 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Lansing | 11,229 | $100,871 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Great Bend | 14,596 | $53,323 | $118,700 | Compare |
| Haysville | 11,117 | $69,057 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Merriam | 11,036 | $71,665 | $242,400 | 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 El Dorado With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Dorado
What is the population of El Dorado, KS?
The population of El Dorado, KS is 12,882 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in El Dorado?
The median household income in El Dorado, KS is $54,828 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Dorado?
The median home value in El Dorado, KS is $113,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Dorado?
The median monthly rent in El Dorado, KS is $877, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Dorado?
The unemployment rate in El Dorado, KS is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Dorado, KS a good place to live?
El Dorado offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,882 and a median age of 33.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is El Dorado, KS?
26.4% of residents in El Dorado 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 El Dorado?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Dorado, KS: median home value is $113,800 (54% below national), median rent is $877/month, and median household income is $54,828. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in El Dorado?
The poverty rate in El Dorado, KS is 21.4%, 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 El Dorado, KS?
El Dorado's population is 4.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.