Salina, KS
Population 46,432 · Kansas
About Salina, KS
Salina is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 46,432 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,624 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salina features a median home value of $164,500, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Salina in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $911, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,855 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (12,263 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (7,038 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salina shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salina have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.7% of Salina 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 10.8% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Salina Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Salina, KS
Compared to national averages, Salina has a median household income of $60,624 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,500, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $911 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Salina's income is 5% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 44% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Salina, KS?
Salina offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $911/month, and short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,624) that falls below the national average. However, Salina’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Salina has a population of 46,432 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Salina with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Salina
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hutchinson | 39,837 | $58,801 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Manhattan | 53,951 | $58,441 | $243,700 | Compare |
| Leavenworth | 37,176 | $71,239 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Lenexa | 57,986 | $102,344 | $368,800 | Compare |
| Leawood | 33,844 | $184,976 | $620,400 | Compare |
| Garden City | 27,781 | $72,511 | $186,200 | Compare |
| Dodge City | 27,652 | $67,958 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Derby | 25,801 | $82,089 | $221,600 | 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 Salina With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salina
What is the population of Salina, KS?
The population of Salina, KS is 46,432 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Salina?
The median household income in Salina, KS is $60,624 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salina?
The median home value in Salina, KS is $164,500, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Salina?
The median monthly rent in Salina, KS is $911, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salina?
The unemployment rate in Salina, KS is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salina, KS a good place to live?
Salina offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 46,432 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salina, KS?
28.7% of residents in Salina 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 Salina?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salina, KS: median home value is $164,500 (33% below national), median rent is $911/month, and median household income is $60,624. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Salina?
The poverty rate in Salina, KS is 13.1%, 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 Salina, KS?
Salina's population is 10.8% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.