Fort Scott, KS
Population 7,551 · Kansas
About Fort Scott, KS
Fort Scott is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 7,551 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,799 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Scott features a median home value of $89,400, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Scott one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $796, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,828 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (2,173 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,164 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Scott shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Scott have an average one-way commute time of 15.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Fort Scott 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 1.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Scott Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Fort Scott, KS
Compared to national averages, Fort Scott has a median household income of $60,799 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,400, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $796 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Fort Scott's income is 5% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 22% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Fort Scott, KS?
Fort Scott offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $796/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,799) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Scott’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Scott has a population of 7,551 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Fort Scott with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Fort Scott
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington | 7,643 | $49,526 | $90,000 | Compare |
| Park City | 7,726 | $70,317 | $163,800 | Compare |
| Bonner Springs | 7,735 | $81,865 | $223,800 | Compare |
| Basehor | 7,229 | $106,325 | $314,100 | Compare |
| Roeland Park | 6,800 | $89,385 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Independence | 8,469 | $49,164 | $78,500 | Compare |
| Pratt | 6,559 | $63,512 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Fort Riley | 8,595 | $52,823 | $222,100 | 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 Scott With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Scott
What is the population of Fort Scott, KS?
The population of Fort Scott, KS is 7,551 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 Scott?
The median household income in Fort Scott, KS is $60,799 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Scott?
The median home value in Fort Scott, KS is $89,400, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Scott?
The median monthly rent in Fort Scott, KS is $796, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Scott?
The unemployment rate in Fort Scott, KS is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Scott, KS a good place to live?
Fort Scott offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,551 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Scott, KS?
21.7% of residents in Fort Scott 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 Scott?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Scott, KS: median home value is $89,400 (63% below national), median rent is $796/month, and median household income is $60,799. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Scott?
The poverty rate in Fort Scott, KS is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Scott, KS?
Fort Scott's population is 1.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.