Russell, KS
Population 4,258 · Kansas
About Russell, KS
Russell is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 4,258 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,347 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Russell features a median home value of $109,400, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Russell one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $744, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,227 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (1,411 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (551 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Russell shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Russell have an average one-way commute time of 12.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of Russell 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 3.4% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Russell Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Russell, KS
Compared to national averages, Russell has a median household income of $51,347 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,400, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $744 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Russell's income is 20% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 4% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Russell, KS?
Russell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $744/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,347) that falls below the national average. However, Russell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Russell has a population of 4,258 with a median age of 41.2 years. Compare Russell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Russell
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osawatomie | 4,244 | $55,612 | $137,400 | Compare |
| Wamego | 4,205 | $82,756 | $187,700 | Compare |
| Fairway | 4,177 | $159,821 | $626,600 | Compare |
| Rose Hill | 4,353 | $98,827 | $213,400 | Compare |
| Clay Center | 4,148 | $56,422 | $133,600 | Compare |
| Hugoton | 4,065 | $60,437 | $118,400 | Compare |
| Scott City | 3,955 | $54,026 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Goodland | 3,878 | $53,929 | $112,800 | 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 Russell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Russell
What is the population of Russell, KS?
The population of Russell, KS is 4,258 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 Russell?
The median household income in Russell, KS is $51,347 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Russell?
The median home value in Russell, KS is $109,400, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Russell?
The median monthly rent in Russell, KS is $744, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Russell?
The unemployment rate in Russell, KS is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Russell, KS a good place to live?
Russell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,258 and a median age of 41.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Russell, KS?
17.6% of residents in Russell 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 Russell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Russell, KS: median home value is $109,400 (55% below national), median rent is $744/month, and median household income is $51,347. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Russell?
The poverty rate in Russell, KS is 18.8%, 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 Russell, KS?
Russell's population is 3.4% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.