Manhattan, KS
Population 53,951 · Kansas
About Manhattan, KS
Manhattan is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 53,951 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,441 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.2 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 Manhattan features a median home value of $243,700, which is 0% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Manhattan 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 24,334 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (8,953 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (12,724 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 Manhattan shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 26.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Manhattan have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
52.1% of Manhattan residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.6% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Manhattan Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Manhattan, KS
Compared to national averages, Manhattan has a median household income of $58,441 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $243,700, which is 0% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,019 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Manhattan's income is 9% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 114% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Manhattan, KS?
Manhattan offers affordable housing with a median home value of $243,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,019/month, and a well-educated community where 52.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,441) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Manhattan provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Manhattan has a population of 53,951 with a median age of 25.2 years. Compare Manhattan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Manhattan
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenexa | 57,986 | $102,344 | $368,800 | Compare |
| Salina | 46,432 | $60,624 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 39,837 | $58,801 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Shawnee | 68,175 | $106,312 | $332,900 | Compare |
| Leavenworth | 37,176 | $71,239 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Leawood | 33,844 | $184,976 | $620,400 | Compare |
| Garden City | 27,781 | $72,511 | $186,200 | Compare |
| Dodge City | 27,652 | $67,958 | $122,800 | 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 Manhattan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Manhattan
What is the population of Manhattan, KS?
The population of Manhattan, KS is 53,951 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 Manhattan?
The median household income in Manhattan, KS is $58,441 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Manhattan?
The median home value in Manhattan, KS is $243,700, which is 0% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Manhattan?
The median monthly rent in Manhattan, KS is $1,019, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Manhattan?
The unemployment rate in Manhattan, KS is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Manhattan, KS a good place to live?
Manhattan offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 53,951 and a median age of 25.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Manhattan, KS?
52.1% of residents in Manhattan aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Manhattan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Manhattan, KS: median home value is $243,700 (0% below national), median rent is $1,019/month, and median household income is $58,441. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Manhattan?
The poverty rate in Manhattan, KS is 26.1%, 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 Manhattan, KS?
Manhattan's population is 5.6% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.