Washington, KS
Population 1,199 · Kansas
About Washington, KS
Washington is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,199 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,875 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.9 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 Washington features a median home value of $85,400, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Washington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $517, 56% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 589 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (398 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (140 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Washington shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, 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 Washington have an average one-way commute time of 14.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.0% of Washington 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 7.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Washington Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Washington, KS
Compared to national averages, Washington has a median household income of $56,875 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,400, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $517 is 56% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Washington's income is 11% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 25% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Washington, KS?
Washington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $517/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,875) that falls below the national average. However, Washington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Washington has a population of 1,199 with a median age of 45.9 years. Compare Washington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Washington
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harper | 1,191 | $58,839 | $80,300 | Compare |
| Hoxie | 1,191 | $68,750 | $173,000 | Compare |
| Pomona | 1,210 | $66,071 | $126,000 | Compare |
| Auburn | 1,185 | $63,382 | $135,700 | Compare |
| Lyndon | 1,184 | $70,625 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Rossville | 1,183 | $58,287 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Oskaloosa | 1,172 | $79,250 | $145,000 | Compare |
| Elwood | 1,169 | $66,364 | $90,000 | 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 Washington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington
What is the population of Washington, KS?
The population of Washington, KS is 1,199 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 Washington?
The median household income in Washington, KS is $56,875 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Washington?
The median home value in Washington, KS is $85,400, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Washington?
The median monthly rent in Washington, KS is $517, which is 56% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Washington?
The unemployment rate in Washington, KS is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Washington, KS a good place to live?
Washington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,199 and a median age of 45.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Washington, KS?
17.0% of residents in Washington 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 Washington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Washington, KS: median home value is $85,400 (65% below national), median rent is $517/month, and median household income is $56,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Washington?
The poverty rate in Washington, 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 Washington, KS?
Washington's population is 7.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.