Erie, KS
Population 1,318 · Kansas
About Erie, KS
Erie is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,318 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,688 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Erie features a median home value of $89,600, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Erie one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $548, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 662 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (449 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (152 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Erie shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Erie have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.3% of Erie 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 1.1% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Erie Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Erie, KS
Compared to national averages, Erie has a median household income of $39,688 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,600, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $548 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Erie's income is 38% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 21% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Erie, KS?
Erie offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $548/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,688) that falls below the national average. However, Erie’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Erie has a population of 1,318 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Erie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Erie
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buhler | 1,311 | $65,833 | $126,000 | Compare |
| Plains | 1,308 | $75,500 | $127,700 | Compare |
| Valley Falls | 1,305 | $43,333 | $118,200 | Compare |
| Kinsley | 1,342 | $48,935 | $59,900 | Compare |
| Carbondale | 1,361 | $67,578 | $112,300 | Compare |
| Meade | 1,274 | $73,990 | $97,100 | Compare |
| La Cygne | 1,368 | $57,233 | $123,000 | Compare |
| St. Francis | 1,268 | $45,324 | $95,000 | 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 Erie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Erie
What is the population of Erie, KS?
The population of Erie, KS is 1,318 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 Erie?
The median household income in Erie, KS is $39,688 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Erie?
The median home value in Erie, KS is $89,600, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Erie?
The median monthly rent in Erie, KS is $548, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Erie?
The unemployment rate in Erie, KS is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Erie, KS a good place to live?
Erie offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,318 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Erie, KS?
26.3% of residents in Erie 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 Erie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Erie, KS: median home value is $89,600 (63% below national), median rent is $548/month, and median household income is $39,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Erie?
The poverty rate in Erie, KS is 18.1%, 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 Erie, KS?
Erie's population is 1.1% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 8.2% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.