Oswego, KS
Population 1,770 · Kansas
About Oswego, KS
Oswego is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,770 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,701 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oswego features a median home value of $80,700, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oswego one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $690, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 809 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (465 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (244 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oswego shows an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oswego have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.3% of Oswego residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oswego, KS
Compared to national averages, Oswego has a median household income of $51,701 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,700, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $690 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Oswego's income is 19% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 29% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Oswego, KS?
Oswego offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $690/month, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,701) that falls below the national average. However, Oswego’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oswego has a population of 1,770 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Oswego with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Oswego
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainville | 1,766 | $60,526 | $89,000 | Compare |
| Oberlin | 1,763 | $47,813 | $77,400 | Compare |
| Edgerton | 1,787 | $81,858 | $196,700 | Compare |
| Towanda | 1,748 | $71,048 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Grandview Plaza | 1,801 | $41,202 | $0 | Compare |
| Elkhart | 1,732 | $66,477 | $99,600 | Compare |
| Horton | 1,708 | $41,650 | $74,600 | Compare |
| Syracuse | 1,706 | $54,615 | $124,400 | 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 Oswego With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oswego
What is the population of Oswego, KS?
The population of Oswego, KS is 1,770 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 Oswego?
The median household income in Oswego, KS is $51,701 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oswego?
The median home value in Oswego, KS is $80,700, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oswego?
The median monthly rent in Oswego, KS is $690, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oswego?
The unemployment rate in Oswego, KS is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oswego, KS a good place to live?
Oswego offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,770 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oswego, KS?
13.3% of residents in Oswego 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 Oswego?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oswego, KS: median home value is $80,700 (67% below national), median rent is $690/month, and median household income is $51,701. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oswego?
The poverty rate in Oswego, KS is 20.2%, 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 Oswego, KS?
Oswego's population is 1.8% White, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.