Elkhart, KS
Population 1,732 · Kansas
About Elkhart, KS
Elkhart is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,732 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,477 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 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 Elkhart features a median home value of $99,600, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elkhart one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $637, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 812 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (439 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (144 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elkhart shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elkhart have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.9% of Elkhart 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 21.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elkhart, KS
Compared to national averages, Elkhart has a median household income of $66,477 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,600, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $637 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Elkhart's income is 4% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 13% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Elkhart, KS?
Elkhart offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $637/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,477) that falls below the national average. However, Elkhart’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elkhart has a population of 1,732 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Elkhart with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Elkhart
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Towanda | 1,748 | $71,048 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Horton | 1,708 | $41,650 | $74,600 | Compare |
| Syracuse | 1,706 | $54,615 | $124,400 | Compare |
| Sedgwick | 1,702 | $81,912 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Oberlin | 1,763 | $47,813 | $77,400 | Compare |
| Plainville | 1,766 | $60,526 | $89,000 | Compare |
| Oswego | 1,770 | $51,701 | $80,700 | Compare |
| Edgerton | 1,787 | $81,858 | $196,700 | 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 Elkhart With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elkhart
What is the population of Elkhart, KS?
The population of Elkhart, KS is 1,732 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 Elkhart?
The median household income in Elkhart, KS is $66,477 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elkhart?
The median home value in Elkhart, KS is $99,600, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elkhart?
The median monthly rent in Elkhart, KS is $637, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elkhart?
The unemployment rate in Elkhart, KS is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elkhart, KS a good place to live?
Elkhart offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,732 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elkhart, KS?
13.9% of residents in Elkhart 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 Elkhart?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elkhart, KS: median home value is $99,600 (59% below national), median rent is $637/month, and median household income is $66,477. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elkhart?
The poverty rate in Elkhart, KS is 18.5%, 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 Elkhart, KS?
Elkhart's population is 21.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.