Hill City, KS
Population 1,536 · Kansas
About Hill City, KS
Hill City is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,536 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,899 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hill City features a median home value of $89,300, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hill City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $729, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 826 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (518 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (209 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hill City shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hill City have an average one-way commute time of 8.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.5% of Hill City 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 3.3% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hill City, KS
Compared to national averages, Hill City has a median household income of $49,899 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,300, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $729 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Hill City's income is 22% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 22% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Hill City, KS?
Hill City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $729/month, and short commute times averaging just 8.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,899) that falls below the national average. However, Hill City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hill City has a population of 1,536 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Hill City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Hill City
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglass | 1,523 | $70,735 | $115,300 | Compare |
| Silver Lake | 1,549 | $56,857 | $168,900 | Compare |
| Stockton | 1,521 | $60,964 | $85,300 | Compare |
| Medicine Lodge | 1,518 | $54,663 | $80,200 | Compare |
| Osborne | 1,496 | $48,333 | $82,100 | Compare |
| Smith Center | 1,585 | $53,963 | $84,600 | Compare |
| Belle Plaine | 1,486 | $62,727 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Conway Springs | 1,597 | $70,469 | $106,900 | 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 Hill City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hill City
What is the population of Hill City, KS?
The population of Hill City, KS is 1,536 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 Hill City?
The median household income in Hill City, KS is $49,899 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hill City?
The median home value in Hill City, KS is $89,300, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hill City?
The median monthly rent in Hill City, KS is $729, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hill City?
The unemployment rate in Hill City, KS is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hill City, KS a good place to live?
Hill City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,536 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hill City, KS?
26.5% of residents in Hill City 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 Hill City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hill City, KS: median home value is $89,300 (64% below national), median rent is $729/month, and median household income is $49,899. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hill City?
The poverty rate in Hill City, KS is 15.4%, 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 Hill City, KS?
Hill City's population is 3.3% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.