Great Bend, KS
Population 14,596 · Kansas
About Great Bend, KS
Great Bend is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 14,596 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,323 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Great Bend features a median home value of $118,700, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Great Bend one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $744, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,198 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (3,416 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (2,547 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Great Bend shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Great Bend have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.9% of Great Bend 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 23.5% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Great Bend Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Great Bend, KS
Compared to national averages, Great Bend has a median household income of $53,323 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,700, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $744 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Great Bend's income is 17% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 4% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Great Bend, KS?
Great Bend offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $744/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,323) that falls below the national average. However, Great Bend’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Great Bend has a population of 14,596 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Great Bend with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Great Bend
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McPherson | 13,956 | $77,746 | $204,300 | Compare |
| Andover | 15,508 | $106,676 | $272,600 | Compare |
| El Dorado | 12,882 | $54,828 | $113,800 | Compare |
| Ottawa | 12,632 | $64,655 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Arkansas City | 11,909 | $53,475 | $81,700 | Compare |
| Winfield | 11,731 | $58,140 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Lansing | 11,229 | $100,871 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Haysville | 11,117 | $69,057 | $155,100 | 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 Great Bend With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Bend
What is the population of Great Bend, KS?
The population of Great Bend, KS is 14,596 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 Great Bend?
The median household income in Great Bend, KS is $53,323 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Great Bend?
The median home value in Great Bend, KS is $118,700, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Great Bend?
The median monthly rent in Great Bend, KS is $744, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Great Bend?
The unemployment rate in Great Bend, KS is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Great Bend, KS a good place to live?
Great Bend offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 14,596 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Great Bend, KS?
20.9% of residents in Great Bend 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 Great Bend?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Great Bend, KS: median home value is $118,700 (52% below national), median rent is $744/month, and median household income is $53,323. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Great Bend?
The poverty rate in Great Bend, KS is 17.0%, 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 Great Bend, KS?
Great Bend's population is 23.5% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.