Waterville, KS
Population 748 · Kansas
About Waterville, KS
Waterville is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 748 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,625 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 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 Waterville features a median home value of $90,300, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waterville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $917, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 360 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (273 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (45 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waterville shows an unemployment rate of 0.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waterville have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.0% of Waterville 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, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waterville Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Waterville, KS
Compared to national averages, Waterville has a median household income of $70,625 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,300, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $917 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Waterville's income is 10% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 21% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Waterville, KS?
Waterville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $917/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,625) that falls below the national average. However, Waterville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waterville has a population of 748 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Waterville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Waterville
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Hope | 754 | $76,667 | $136,900 | Compare |
| Hoyt | 759 | $67,438 | $136,100 | Compare |
| Deerfield | 760 | $72,692 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Wilroads Gardens | 736 | $0 | $93,000 | Compare |
| Lecompton | 762 | $79,375 | $203,000 | Compare |
| Franklin | 763 | $51,528 | $116,500 | Compare |
| Frankfort | 731 | $77,917 | $70,700 | Compare |
| Eastborough | 767 | $200,795 | $441,200 | 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 Waterville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterville
What is the population of Waterville, KS?
The population of Waterville, KS is 748 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Waterville?
The median household income in Waterville, KS is $70,625 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville, KS is $90,300, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waterville?
The median monthly rent in Waterville, KS is $917, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterville?
The unemployment rate in Waterville, KS is 0.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waterville, KS a good place to live?
Waterville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 748 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waterville, KS?
15.0% of residents in Waterville 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 Waterville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waterville, KS: median home value is $90,300 (63% below national), median rent is $917/month, and median household income is $70,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waterville?
The poverty rate in Waterville, KS is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waterville, KS?
Waterville's population is 1.9% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.