Elwood, KS
Population 1,169 · Kansas
About Elwood, KS
Elwood is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,169 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,364 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.1 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 Elwood features a median home value of $90,000, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elwood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $883, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 451 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (250 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (128 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elwood shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elwood have an average one-way commute time of 14.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
5.1% of Elwood 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 10.6% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elwood, KS
Compared to national averages, Elwood has a median household income of $66,364 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,000, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $883 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Elwood's income is 4% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 21% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Elwood, KS?
Elwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $883/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,364) that falls below the national average. However, Elwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elwood has a population of 1,169 with a median age of 30.1 years. Compare Elwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Elwood
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oskaloosa | 1,172 | $79,250 | $145,000 | Compare |
| Rossville | 1,183 | $58,287 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Lyndon | 1,184 | $70,625 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Auburn | 1,185 | $63,382 | $135,700 | Compare |
| Peabody | 1,152 | $52,539 | $73,800 | Compare |
| Americus | 1,147 | $81,125 | $120,900 | Compare |
| Harper | 1,191 | $58,839 | $80,300 | Compare |
| Hoxie | 1,191 | $68,750 | $173,000 | 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 Elwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elwood
What is the population of Elwood, KS?
The population of Elwood, KS is 1,169 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 Elwood?
The median household income in Elwood, KS is $66,364 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elwood?
The median home value in Elwood, KS is $90,000, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elwood?
The median monthly rent in Elwood, KS is $883, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elwood?
The unemployment rate in Elwood, KS is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Elwood, KS a good place to live?
Elwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,169 and a median age of 30.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Elwood, KS?
5.1% of residents in Elwood 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 Elwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elwood, KS: median home value is $90,000 (63% below national), median rent is $883/month, and median household income is $66,364. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elwood?
The poverty rate in Elwood, KS is 12.5%, 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 Elwood, KS?
Elwood's population is 10.6% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.