Valley Center, KS
Population 8,937 · Kansas
About Valley Center, KS
Valley Center is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 8,937 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,480 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.5 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 Valley Center features a median home value of $214,300, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Valley Center in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,017, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,253 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (2,219 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (931 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valley Center shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Valley Center have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.0% of Valley Center 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 5.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Valley Center Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Valley Center, KS
Compared to national averages, Valley Center has a median household income of $73,480 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $214,300, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,017 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Valley Center's income is 15% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 88% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Valley Center, KS?
Valley Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $214,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,017/month, and a well-educated community where 36.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,480) that falls below the national average. However, Valley Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Valley Center has a population of 8,937 with a median age of 33.5 years. Compare Valley Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Valley Center
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffeyville | 8,752 | $41,901 | $55,600 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 8,691 | $108,007 | $323,300 | Compare |
| Bel Aire | 8,654 | $93,182 | $213,500 | Compare |
| Chanute | 8,629 | $47,885 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Augusta | 9,252 | $60,581 | $162,200 | Compare |
| Fort Riley | 8,595 | $52,823 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Independence | 8,469 | $49,164 | $78,500 | Compare |
| Parsons | 9,482 | $50,838 | $70,300 | 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 Valley Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valley Center
What is the population of Valley Center, KS?
The population of Valley Center, KS is 8,937 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 Valley Center?
The median household income in Valley Center, KS is $73,480 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valley Center?
The median home value in Valley Center, KS is $214,300, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valley Center?
The median monthly rent in Valley Center, KS is $1,017, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valley Center?
The unemployment rate in Valley Center, KS is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Valley Center, KS a good place to live?
Valley Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,937 and a median age of 33.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Valley Center, KS?
36.0% of residents in Valley Center 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 Valley Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valley Center, KS: median home value is $214,300 (12% below national), median rent is $1,017/month, and median household income is $73,480. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Valley Center?
The poverty rate in Valley Center, KS is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Valley Center, KS?
Valley Center's population is 5.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.