Ness City, KS
Population 1,136 · Kansas
About Ness City, KS
Ness City is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,136 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,982 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 Ness City features a median home value of $100,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ness City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $679, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 589 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (403 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (88 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ness City shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ness City have an average one-way commute time of 13.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.8% of Ness City 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 14.4% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 12.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ness City Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Ness City, KS
Compared to national averages, Ness City has a median household income of $65,982 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $100,300, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $679 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Ness City's income is 3% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 12% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Ness City, KS?
Ness City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $100,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $679/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,982) that falls below the national average. However, Ness City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ness City has a population of 1,136 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Ness City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Ness City
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arma | 1,131 | $43,073 | $83,100 | Compare |
| Americus | 1,147 | $81,125 | $120,900 | Compare |
| Peabody | 1,152 | $52,539 | $73,800 | Compare |
| St. George | 1,115 | $90,556 | $233,800 | Compare |
| Elwood | 1,169 | $66,364 | $90,000 | Compare |
| Oskaloosa | 1,172 | $79,250 | $145,000 | Compare |
| Caldwell | 1,091 | $40,729 | $69,900 | Compare |
| Rossville | 1,183 | $58,287 | $131,300 | 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 Ness City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ness City
What is the population of Ness City, KS?
The population of Ness City, KS is 1,136 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 Ness City?
The median household income in Ness City, KS is $65,982 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ness City?
The median home value in Ness City, KS is $100,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ness City?
The median monthly rent in Ness City, KS is $679, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ness City?
The unemployment rate in Ness City, KS is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ness City, KS a good place to live?
Ness City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,136 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ness City, KS?
29.8% of residents in Ness 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 Ness City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ness City, KS: median home value is $100,300 (59% below national), median rent is $679/month, and median household income is $65,982. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ness City?
The poverty rate in Ness City, KS is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ness City, KS?
Ness City's population is 14.4% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 12.4% of residents are foreign-born.