Smith Center, KS
Population 1,585 · Kansas
About Smith Center, KS
Smith Center is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,585 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,963 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Smith Center features a median home value of $84,600, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Smith Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $646, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 805 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (541 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (141 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Smith Center shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Smith Center have an average one-way commute time of 10.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.8% of Smith Center 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 1.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Smith Center, KS
Compared to national averages, Smith Center has a median household income of $53,963 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,600, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $646 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Smith Center's income is 16% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 26% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Smith Center, KS?
Smith Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $646/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,963) that falls below the national average. However, Smith Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Smith Center has a population of 1,585 with a median age of 46.8 years. Compare Smith Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Smith Center
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conway Springs | 1,597 | $70,469 | $106,900 | Compare |
| Colwich | 1,616 | $88,468 | $217,600 | Compare |
| Silver Lake | 1,549 | $56,857 | $168,900 | Compare |
| Ogden | 1,628 | $61,953 | $149,700 | Compare |
| 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 |
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 Smith Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Smith Center
What is the population of Smith Center, KS?
The population of Smith Center, KS is 1,585 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 Smith Center?
The median household income in Smith Center, KS is $53,963 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Smith Center?
The median home value in Smith Center, KS is $84,600, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Smith Center?
The median monthly rent in Smith Center, KS is $646, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Smith Center?
The unemployment rate in Smith Center, KS is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Smith Center, KS a good place to live?
Smith Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,585 and a median age of 46.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Smith Center, KS?
21.8% of residents in Smith Center 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 Smith Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Smith Center, KS: median home value is $84,600 (65% below national), median rent is $646/month, and median household income is $53,963. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Smith Center?
The poverty rate in Smith Center, KS is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Smith Center, KS?
Smith Center's population is 1.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.