Medicine Lodge, KS
Population 1,518 · Kansas
About Medicine Lodge, KS
Medicine Lodge is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,518 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,663 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Medicine Lodge features a median home value of $80,200, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Medicine Lodge one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $711, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 884 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (487 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (194 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Medicine Lodge shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Medicine Lodge have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of Medicine Lodge 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 4.3% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Medicine Lodge, KS
Compared to national averages, Medicine Lodge has a median household income of $54,663 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,200, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $711 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Medicine Lodge's income is 15% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 30% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Medicine Lodge, KS?
Medicine Lodge offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $711/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,663) that falls below the national average. However, Medicine Lodge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Medicine Lodge has a population of 1,518 with a median age of 46.5 years. Compare Medicine Lodge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Medicine Lodge
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton | 1,521 | $60,964 | $85,300 | Compare |
| Douglass | 1,523 | $70,735 | $115,300 | Compare |
| Hill City | 1,536 | $49,899 | $89,300 | Compare |
| Osborne | 1,496 | $48,333 | $82,100 | Compare |
| Silver Lake | 1,549 | $56,857 | $168,900 | Compare |
| Belle Plaine | 1,486 | $62,727 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Wathena | 1,463 | $84,531 | $154,800 | Compare |
| Leoti | 1,461 | $64,732 | $83,500 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Medicine Lodge
What is the population of Medicine Lodge, KS?
The population of Medicine Lodge, KS is 1,518 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 Medicine Lodge?
The median household income in Medicine Lodge, KS is $54,663 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Medicine Lodge?
The median home value in Medicine Lodge, KS is $80,200, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Medicine Lodge?
The median monthly rent in Medicine Lodge, KS is $711, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Medicine Lodge?
The unemployment rate in Medicine Lodge, KS is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Medicine Lodge, KS a good place to live?
Medicine Lodge offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,518 and a median age of 46.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Medicine Lodge, KS?
23.9% of residents in Medicine Lodge 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 Medicine Lodge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Medicine Lodge, KS: median home value is $80,200 (67% below national), median rent is $711/month, and median household income is $54,663. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Medicine Lodge?
The poverty rate in Medicine Lodge, KS is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Medicine Lodge, KS?
Medicine Lodge's population is 4.3% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.