Fort Riley, KS
Population 8,595 · Kansas
About Fort Riley, KS
Fort Riley is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 8,595 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,823 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.3 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 Fort Riley features a median home value of $222,100, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fort Riley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,283, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,921 total housing units, 2% are owner-occupied (39 units) and 98% are renter-occupied (1,753 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Riley shows an unemployment rate of 18.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Riley have an average one-way commute time of 7.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of Fort Riley 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 13.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Riley Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Fort Riley, KS
Compared to national averages, Fort Riley has a median household income of $52,823 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $222,100, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,283 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Fort Riley's income is 17% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 95% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Fort Riley, KS?
Fort Riley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $222,100, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 7.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,823) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Riley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Riley has a population of 8,595 with a median age of 22.3 years. Compare Fort Riley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Fort Riley
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chanute | 8,629 | $47,885 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Bel Aire | 8,654 | $93,182 | $213,500 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 8,691 | $108,007 | $323,300 | Compare |
| Independence | 8,469 | $49,164 | $78,500 | Compare |
| Coffeyville | 8,752 | $41,901 | $55,600 | Compare |
| Valley Center | 8,937 | $73,480 | $214,300 | Compare |
| Augusta | 9,252 | $60,581 | $162,200 | Compare |
| Bonner Springs | 7,735 | $81,865 | $223,800 | 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 Fort Riley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Riley
What is the population of Fort Riley, KS?
The population of Fort Riley, KS is 8,595 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 Fort Riley?
The median household income in Fort Riley, KS is $52,823 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Riley?
The median home value in Fort Riley, KS is $222,100, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Riley?
The median monthly rent in Fort Riley, KS is $1,283, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Riley?
The unemployment rate in Fort Riley, KS is 18.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Riley, KS a good place to live?
Fort Riley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,595 and a median age of 22.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Riley, KS?
17.1% of residents in Fort Riley 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 Fort Riley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Riley, KS: median home value is $222,100 (9% below national), median rent is $1,283/month, and median household income is $52,823. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Riley?
The poverty rate in Fort Riley, KS is 13.2%, 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 Fort Riley, KS?
Fort Riley's population is 13.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 23.1% two or more races. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.