Ulysses, KS
Population 5,812 · Kansas
About Ulysses, KS
Ulysses is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 5,812 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,765 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ulysses features a median home value of $123,100, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ulysses one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $692, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,221 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (1,313 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (527 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ulysses shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ulysses have an average one-way commute time of 30.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.3% of Ulysses 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 57.7% White, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 26.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ulysses, KS
Compared to national averages, Ulysses has a median household income of $63,765 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,100, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $692 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Ulysses's income is 0% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 8% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Ulysses, KS?
Ulysses offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $692/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,765) that falls below the national average. However, Ulysses’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ulysses has a population of 5,812 with a median age of 32.9 years. Compare Ulysses with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Ulysses
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulvane | 5,829 | $70,224 | $168,900 | Compare |
| Paola | 5,757 | $73,281 | $195,000 | Compare |
| Tonganoxie | 5,693 | $77,500 | $227,700 | Compare |
| Maize | 5,990 | $68,750 | $280,500 | Compare |
| Eudora | 6,036 | $106,356 | $231,500 | Compare |
| Colby | 5,389 | $66,731 | $150,700 | Compare |
| Iola | 5,368 | $50,417 | $78,100 | Compare |
| Goddard | 5,361 | $92,220 | $203,500 | 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 Ulysses With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ulysses
What is the population of Ulysses, KS?
The population of Ulysses, KS is 5,812 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 Ulysses?
The median household income in Ulysses, KS is $63,765 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ulysses?
The median home value in Ulysses, KS is $123,100, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ulysses?
The median monthly rent in Ulysses, KS is $692, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ulysses?
The unemployment rate in Ulysses, KS is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ulysses, KS a good place to live?
Ulysses offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,812 and a median age of 32.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ulysses, KS?
22.3% of residents in Ulysses 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 Ulysses?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ulysses, KS: median home value is $123,100 (50% below national), median rent is $692/month, and median household income is $63,765. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ulysses?
The poverty rate in Ulysses, KS is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ulysses, KS?
Ulysses's population is 57.7% White, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 26.0% of residents are foreign-born.