Shawnee, KS
Population 68,175 · Kansas
About Shawnee, KS
Shawnee is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 68,175 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,312 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shawnee features a median home value of $332,900, which is 36% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Shawnee in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,233, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 26,811 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (19,175 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (6,757 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shawnee shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shawnee have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.4% of Shawnee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 8.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shawnee Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Shawnee, KS
Compared to national averages, Shawnee has a median household income of $106,312 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $332,900, which is 36% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,233 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Shawnee's income is 66% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 192% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Shawnee, KS?
Shawnee offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,312, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, and a well-educated community where 52.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Shawnee has a population of 68,175 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Shawnee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Shawnee
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenexa | 57,986 | $102,344 | $368,800 | Compare |
| Manhattan | 53,951 | $58,441 | $243,700 | Compare |
| Salina | 46,432 | $60,624 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 95,459 | $62,838 | $269,500 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 39,837 | $58,801 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Leavenworth | 37,176 | $71,239 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Leawood | 33,844 | $184,976 | $620,400 | Compare |
| Garden City | 27,781 | $72,511 | $186,200 | 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 Shawnee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shawnee
What is the population of Shawnee, KS?
The population of Shawnee, KS is 68,175 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 Shawnee?
The median household income in Shawnee, KS is $106,312 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shawnee?
The median home value in Shawnee, KS is $332,900, which is 36% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shawnee?
The median monthly rent in Shawnee, KS is $1,233, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shawnee?
The unemployment rate in Shawnee, KS is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shawnee, KS a good place to live?
Shawnee offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 68,175 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shawnee, KS?
52.4% of residents in Shawnee aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Shawnee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shawnee, KS: median home value is $332,900 (36% above national), median rent is $1,233/month, and median household income is $106,312. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shawnee?
The poverty rate in Shawnee, KS is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shawnee, KS?
Shawnee's population is 6.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 6.0% two or more races. 8.0% of residents are foreign-born.