Liberal, KS
Population 19,107 · Kansas
About Liberal, KS
Liberal is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 19,107 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,875 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.9 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 Liberal features a median home value of $134,500, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Liberal one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $931, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,349 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (3,729 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,657 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Liberal shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Liberal have an average one-way commute time of 16 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.6% of Liberal 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 59.1% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 7.3% Asian residents, with 29.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Liberal Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Liberal, KS
Compared to national averages, Liberal has a median household income of $61,875 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,500, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $931 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Liberal's income is 3% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 18% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Liberal, KS?
Liberal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $931/month, and short commute times averaging just 16 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,875) that falls below the national average. However, Liberal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Liberal has a population of 19,107 with a median age of 30.9 years. Compare Liberal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Liberal
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newton | 18,443 | $67,015 | $151,800 | Compare |
| Pittsburg | 20,606 | $40,220 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Hays | 21,078 | $56,861 | $220,100 | Compare |
| Junction City | 22,431 | $60,317 | $162,500 | Compare |
| Andover | 15,508 | $106,676 | $272,600 | Compare |
| Prairie Village | 22,937 | $107,664 | $402,600 | Compare |
| Great Bend | 14,596 | $53,323 | $118,700 | Compare |
| Gardner | 24,020 | $92,579 | $276,000 | 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 Liberal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Liberal
What is the population of Liberal, KS?
The population of Liberal, KS is 19,107 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 Liberal?
The median household income in Liberal, KS is $61,875 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Liberal?
The median home value in Liberal, KS is $134,500, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Liberal?
The median monthly rent in Liberal, KS is $931, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Liberal?
The unemployment rate in Liberal, KS is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Liberal, KS a good place to live?
Liberal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,107 and a median age of 30.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Liberal, KS?
10.6% of residents in Liberal 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 Liberal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Liberal, KS: median home value is $134,500 (45% below national), median rent is $931/month, and median household income is $61,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Liberal?
The poverty rate in Liberal, KS is 14.2%, 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 Liberal, KS?
Liberal's population is 59.1% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 7.3% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 29.1% of residents are foreign-born.