McPherson, KS
Population 13,956 · Kansas
About McPherson, KS
McPherson is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 13,956 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,746 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 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 McPherson features a median home value of $204,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions McPherson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $898, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,217 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (3,971 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (1,832 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McPherson shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in McPherson have an average one-way commute time of 10.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.9% of McPherson 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 5.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 5.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How McPherson Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in McPherson, KS
Compared to national averages, McPherson has a median household income of $77,746 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,300, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $898 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, McPherson's income is 21% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 79% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in McPherson, KS?
McPherson offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,746, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $204,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $898/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a well-educated community where 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.8 minutes.
McPherson has a population of 13,956 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare McPherson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near McPherson
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Bend | 14,596 | $53,323 | $118,700 | Compare |
| El Dorado | 12,882 | $54,828 | $113,800 | Compare |
| Ottawa | 12,632 | $64,655 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Andover | 15,508 | $106,676 | $272,600 | Compare |
| Arkansas City | 11,909 | $53,475 | $81,700 | Compare |
| Winfield | 11,731 | $58,140 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Lansing | 11,229 | $100,871 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Haysville | 11,117 | $69,057 | $155,100 | 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 McPherson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McPherson
What is the population of McPherson, KS?
The population of McPherson, KS is 13,956 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 McPherson?
The median household income in McPherson, KS is $77,746 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McPherson?
The median home value in McPherson, KS is $204,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McPherson?
The median monthly rent in McPherson, KS is $898, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McPherson?
The unemployment rate in McPherson, KS is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is McPherson, KS a good place to live?
McPherson offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 13,956 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McPherson, KS?
35.9% of residents in McPherson 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 McPherson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McPherson, KS: median home value is $204,300 (17% below national), median rent is $898/month, and median household income is $77,746. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McPherson?
The poverty rate in McPherson, KS is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is McPherson, KS?
McPherson's population is 5.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 5.0% of residents are foreign-born.