Hiawatha, KS
Population 3,223 · Kansas
About Hiawatha, KS
Hiawatha is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 3,223 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,058 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hiawatha features a median home value of $112,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hiawatha one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $683, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,596 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (900 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (376 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hiawatha shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hiawatha have an average one-way commute time of 12.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.5% of Hiawatha 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 2.0% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hiawatha, KS
Compared to national averages, Hiawatha has a median household income of $65,058 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,500, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $683 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Hiawatha's income is 2% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 1% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Hiawatha, KS?
Hiawatha offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $683/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,058) that falls below the national average. However, Hiawatha’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hiawatha has a population of 3,223 with a median age of 41.8 years. Compare Hiawatha with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Hiawatha
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garnett | 3,200 | $46,875 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Beloit | 3,141 | $50,865 | $99,100 | Compare |
| Larned | 3,328 | $51,957 | $99,600 | Compare |
| Ellsworth | 3,098 | $65,357 | $143,600 | Compare |
| Frontenac | 3,381 | $56,867 | $165,400 | Compare |
| Holton | 3,384 | $51,390 | $143,400 | Compare |
| Marysville | 3,423 | $61,607 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Kingman | 3,003 | $56,655 | $65,000 | 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 Hiawatha With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiawatha
What is the population of Hiawatha, KS?
The population of Hiawatha, KS is 3,223 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 Hiawatha?
The median household income in Hiawatha, KS is $65,058 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hiawatha?
The median home value in Hiawatha, KS is $112,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hiawatha?
The median monthly rent in Hiawatha, KS is $683, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hiawatha?
The unemployment rate in Hiawatha, KS is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hiawatha, KS a good place to live?
Hiawatha offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,223 and a median age of 41.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hiawatha, KS?
18.5% of residents in Hiawatha 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 Hiawatha?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hiawatha, KS: median home value is $112,500 (54% below national), median rent is $683/month, and median household income is $65,058. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hiawatha?
The poverty rate in Hiawatha, KS is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hiawatha, KS?
Hiawatha's population is 2.0% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.