Parsons, KS
Population 9,482 · Kansas
About Parsons, KS
Parsons is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 9,482 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,838 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Parsons features a median home value of $70,300, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Parsons one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $743, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,772 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (2,529 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,351 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Parsons shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Parsons have an average one-way commute time of 10.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.0% of Parsons 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 5.1% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Parsons Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Parsons, KS
Compared to national averages, Parsons has a median household income of $50,838 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $70,300, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $743 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Parsons's income is 21% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 38% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Parsons, KS?
Parsons offers affordable housing with a median home value of $70,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $743/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 10.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,838) that falls below the national average. However, Parsons’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Parsons has a population of 9,482 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Parsons with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Parsons
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta | 9,252 | $60,581 | $162,200 | Compare |
| Mission | 9,928 | $74,396 | $268,500 | Compare |
| Valley Center | 8,937 | $73,480 | $214,300 | Compare |
| Coffeyville | 8,752 | $41,901 | $55,600 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 8,691 | $108,007 | $323,300 | Compare |
| Bel Aire | 8,654 | $93,182 | $213,500 | Compare |
| Chanute | 8,629 | $47,885 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Fort Riley | 8,595 | $52,823 | $222,100 | 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 Parsons With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Parsons
What is the population of Parsons, KS?
The population of Parsons, KS is 9,482 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 Parsons?
The median household income in Parsons, KS is $50,838 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Parsons?
The median home value in Parsons, KS is $70,300, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Parsons?
The median monthly rent in Parsons, KS is $743, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Parsons?
The unemployment rate in Parsons, KS is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Parsons, KS a good place to live?
Parsons offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,482 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Parsons, KS?
23.0% of residents in Parsons 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 Parsons?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Parsons, KS: median home value is $70,300 (71% below national), median rent is $743/month, and median household income is $50,838. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Parsons?
The poverty rate in Parsons, KS is 20.7%, 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 Parsons, KS?
Parsons's population is 5.1% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 6.1% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.