Junction City, KS
Population 22,431 · Kansas
About Junction City, KS
Junction City is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 22,431 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,317 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.4 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 Junction City features a median home value of $162,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Junction City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,019, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,888 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (4,527 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (4,713 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 Junction City shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Junction City have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.2% of Junction City 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 8.3% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 7.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Junction City Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Junction City, KS
Compared to national averages, Junction City has a median household income of $60,317 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,500, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,019 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Junction City's income is 6% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 43% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Junction City, KS?
Junction City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,019/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,317) that falls below the national average. However, Junction City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Junction City has a population of 22,431 with a median age of 28.4 years. Compare Junction City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Junction City
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Village | 22,937 | $107,664 | $402,600 | Compare |
| Hays | 21,078 | $56,861 | $220,100 | Compare |
| Gardner | 24,020 | $92,579 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Emporia | 24,098 | $52,787 | $127,500 | Compare |
| Pittsburg | 20,606 | $40,220 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Liberal | 19,107 | $61,875 | $134,500 | Compare |
| Derby | 25,801 | $82,089 | $221,600 | Compare |
| Newton | 18,443 | $67,015 | $151,800 | 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 Junction City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Junction City
What is the population of Junction City, KS?
The population of Junction City, KS is 22,431 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 Junction City?
The median household income in Junction City, KS is $60,317 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Junction City?
The median home value in Junction City, KS is $162,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Junction City?
The median monthly rent in Junction City, KS is $1,019, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Junction City?
The unemployment rate in Junction City, KS is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Junction City, KS a good place to live?
Junction City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 22,431 and a median age of 28.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Junction City, KS?
23.2% of residents in Junction 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 Junction City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Junction City, KS: median home value is $162,500 (34% below national), median rent is $1,019/month, and median household income is $60,317. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Junction City?
The poverty rate in Junction City, KS is 17.9%, 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 Junction City, KS?
Junction City's population is 8.3% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 20.1% two or more races. 7.9% of residents are foreign-born.