Emporia, KS
Population 24,098 · Kansas
About Emporia, KS
Emporia is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 24,098 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,787 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.2 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 Emporia features a median home value of $127,500, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Emporia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $793, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,441 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (5,105 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (5,104 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Emporia shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Emporia have an average one-way commute time of 12.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.8% of Emporia 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 23.9% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 13.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Emporia Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Emporia, KS
Compared to national averages, Emporia has a median household income of $52,787 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $127,500, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $793 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Emporia's income is 18% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 12% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Emporia, KS?
Emporia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $127,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $793/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,787) that falls below the national average. However, Emporia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emporia has a population of 24,098 with a median age of 30.2 years. Compare Emporia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Emporia
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner | 24,020 | $92,579 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Prairie Village | 22,937 | $107,664 | $402,600 | Compare |
| Junction City | 22,431 | $60,317 | $162,500 | Compare |
| Derby | 25,801 | $82,089 | $221,600 | Compare |
| Hays | 21,078 | $56,861 | $220,100 | Compare |
| Pittsburg | 20,606 | $40,220 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Dodge City | 27,652 | $67,958 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Garden City | 27,781 | $72,511 | $186,200 | 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 Emporia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emporia
What is the population of Emporia, KS?
The population of Emporia, KS is 24,098 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 Emporia?
The median household income in Emporia, KS is $52,787 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emporia?
The median home value in Emporia, KS is $127,500, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Emporia?
The median monthly rent in Emporia, KS is $793, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emporia?
The unemployment rate in Emporia, KS is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Emporia, KS a good place to live?
Emporia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 24,098 and a median age of 30.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Emporia, KS?
25.8% of residents in Emporia 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 Emporia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emporia, KS: median home value is $127,500 (48% below national), median rent is $793/month, and median household income is $52,787. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Emporia?
The poverty rate in Emporia, KS is 18.4%, 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 Emporia, KS?
Emporia's population is 23.9% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 13.4% of residents are foreign-born.