Oakley, KS
Population 2,049 · Kansas
About Oakley, KS
Oakley is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 2,049 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,778 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 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 Oakley features a median home value of $118,700, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oakley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $781, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 974 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (562 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (370 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oakley shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oakley have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.6% of Oakley 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 6.9% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oakley, KS
Compared to national averages, Oakley has a median household income of $69,778 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,700, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $781 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Oakley's income is 9% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 4% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Oakley, KS?
Oakley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $781/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,778) that falls below the national average. However, Oakley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oakley has a population of 2,049 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Oakley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Oakley
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belleville | 2,036 | $51,136 | $78,200 | Compare |
| Lakin | 2,069 | $84,286 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Marion | 2,010 | $60,756 | $89,600 | Compare |
| Wellsville | 2,003 | $67,292 | $166,100 | Compare |
| Minneapolis | 2,101 | $65,694 | $133,100 | Compare |
| Herington | 2,105 | $68,214 | $79,000 | Compare |
| Fredonia | 2,113 | $61,250 | $87,700 | Compare |
| Ellinwood | 2,117 | $55,332 | $94,800 | 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 Oakley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oakley
What is the population of Oakley, KS?
The population of Oakley, KS is 2,049 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 Oakley?
The median household income in Oakley, KS is $69,778 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oakley?
The median home value in Oakley, KS is $118,700, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oakley?
The median monthly rent in Oakley, KS is $781, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oakley?
The unemployment rate in Oakley, KS is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oakley, KS a good place to live?
Oakley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,049 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oakley, KS?
25.6% of residents in Oakley 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 Oakley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oakley, KS: median home value is $118,700 (52% below national), median rent is $781/month, and median household income is $69,778. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oakley?
The poverty rate in Oakley, KS is 13.9%, 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 Oakley, KS?
Oakley's population is 6.9% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.