Silver Lake, KS
Population 1,549 · Kansas
About Silver Lake, KS
Silver Lake is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,549 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,857 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Silver Lake features a median home value of $168,900, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Silver Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $877, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 744 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (534 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (187 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Silver Lake shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Silver Lake have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.9% of Silver Lake 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 5.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Silver Lake Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Silver Lake, KS
Compared to national averages, Silver Lake has a median household income of $56,857 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,900, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $877 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Silver Lake's income is 11% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 48% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Silver Lake, KS?
Silver Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $877/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,857) that falls below the national average. However, Silver Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Silver Lake has a population of 1,549 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Silver Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Silver Lake
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill City | 1,536 | $49,899 | $89,300 | Compare |
| Douglass | 1,523 | $70,735 | $115,300 | Compare |
| Stockton | 1,521 | $60,964 | $85,300 | Compare |
| Medicine Lodge | 1,518 | $54,663 | $80,200 | Compare |
| Smith Center | 1,585 | $53,963 | $84,600 | Compare |
| Conway Springs | 1,597 | $70,469 | $106,900 | Compare |
| Osborne | 1,496 | $48,333 | $82,100 | Compare |
| Belle Plaine | 1,486 | $62,727 | $121,500 | 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 Silver Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Silver Lake
What is the population of Silver Lake, KS?
The population of Silver Lake, KS is 1,549 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 Silver Lake?
The median household income in Silver Lake, KS is $56,857 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Silver Lake?
The median home value in Silver Lake, KS is $168,900, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Silver Lake?
The median monthly rent in Silver Lake, KS is $877, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Silver Lake?
The unemployment rate in Silver Lake, KS is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Silver Lake, KS a good place to live?
Silver Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,549 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Silver Lake, KS?
35.9% of residents in Silver Lake 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 Silver Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Silver Lake, KS: median home value is $168,900 (31% below national), median rent is $877/month, and median household income is $56,857. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Silver Lake?
The poverty rate in Silver Lake, KS is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Silver Lake, KS?
Silver Lake's population is 5.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.