WaKeeney, KS
Population 1,838 · Kansas
About WaKeeney, KS
WaKeeney is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,838 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,000 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 WaKeeney features a median home value of $118,000, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes WaKeeney one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 945 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (648 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (184 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in WaKeeney shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in WaKeeney have an average one-way commute time of 12.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.8% of WaKeeney 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 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in WaKeeney, KS
Compared to national averages, WaKeeney has a median household income of $74,000 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,000, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, WaKeeney's income is 16% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 4% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in WaKeeney, KS?
WaKeeney offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,000) that falls below the national average. However, WaKeeney’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
WaKeeney has a population of 1,838 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare WaKeeney with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near WaKeeney
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westwood | 1,851 | $102,500 | $384,500 | Compare |
| Grandview Plaza | 1,801 | $41,202 | $0 | Compare |
| Edgerton | 1,787 | $81,858 | $196,700 | Compare |
| Oswego | 1,770 | $51,701 | $80,700 | Compare |
| Plainville | 1,766 | $60,526 | $89,000 | Compare |
| Oberlin | 1,763 | $47,813 | $77,400 | Compare |
| Towanda | 1,748 | $71,048 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Cimarron | 1,942 | $92,762 | $162,500 | 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 WaKeeney With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about WaKeeney
What is the population of WaKeeney, KS?
The population of WaKeeney, KS is 1,838 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 WaKeeney?
The median household income in WaKeeney, KS is $74,000 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in WaKeeney?
The median home value in WaKeeney, KS is $118,000, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in WaKeeney?
The median monthly rent in WaKeeney, KS is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in WaKeeney?
The unemployment rate in WaKeeney, KS is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is WaKeeney, KS a good place to live?
WaKeeney offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,838 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is WaKeeney, KS?
29.8% of residents in WaKeeney 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 WaKeeney?
Key cost-of-living indicators for WaKeeney, KS: median home value is $118,000 (52% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $74,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in WaKeeney?
The poverty rate in WaKeeney, KS is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is WaKeeney, KS?
WaKeeney's population is 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.