Wathena, KS
Population 1,463 · Kansas
About Wathena, KS
Wathena is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,463 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,531 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.7 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 Wathena features a median home value of $154,800, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wathena in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $794, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 659 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (492 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (85 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wathena shows an unemployment rate of 0.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wathena have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Wathena 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 0.3% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wathena Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Wathena, KS
Compared to national averages, Wathena has a median household income of $84,531 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $154,800, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $794 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Wathena's income is 32% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 36% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Wathena, KS?
Wathena offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,531, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $154,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $794/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.2%, and a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Wathena has a population of 1,463 with a median age of 48.7 years. Compare Wathena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Wathena
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leoti | 1,461 | $64,732 | $83,500 | Compare |
| Caney | 1,450 | $39,417 | $70,600 | Compare |
| Belle Plaine | 1,486 | $62,727 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Pleasanton | 1,434 | $51,830 | $109,400 | Compare |
| Osborne | 1,496 | $48,333 | $82,100 | Compare |
| Inman | 1,425 | $61,083 | $149,200 | Compare |
| Medicine Lodge | 1,518 | $54,663 | $80,200 | Compare |
| Stockton | 1,521 | $60,964 | $85,300 | 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 Wathena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wathena
What is the population of Wathena, KS?
The population of Wathena, KS is 1,463 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 Wathena?
The median household income in Wathena, KS is $84,531 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wathena?
The median home value in Wathena, KS is $154,800, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wathena?
The median monthly rent in Wathena, KS is $794, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wathena?
The unemployment rate in Wathena, KS is 0.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wathena, KS a good place to live?
Wathena offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,463 and a median age of 48.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wathena, KS?
19.0% of residents in Wathena 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 Wathena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wathena, KS: median home value is $154,800 (37% below national), median rent is $794/month, and median household income is $84,531. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wathena?
The poverty rate in Wathena, KS is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wathena, KS?
Wathena's population is 0.3% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.