Wichita, KS
Population 396,488 · Kansas
About Wichita, KS
Wichita is a major city located in Kansas with a population of 396,488 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,072 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 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 Wichita features a median home value of $179,500, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wichita in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $960, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 175,539 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (92,121 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (65,525 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wichita shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wichita have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.9% of Wichita 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 15.1% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 10.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wichita Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Wichita, KS
Compared to national averages, Wichita has a median household income of $63,072 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $179,500, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $960 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Wichita's income is 1% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 58% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Wichita, KS?
Wichita offers affordable housing with a median home value of $179,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $960/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,072) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Wichita provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Wichita has a population of 396,488 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare Wichita with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Wichita
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overland Park | 197,199 | $103,838 | $384,400 | Compare |
| Kansas City | 154,776 | $59,183 | $147,100 | Compare |
| Olathe | 143,720 | $112,232 | $340,600 | Compare |
| Topeka | 126,103 | $55,902 | $130,600 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 95,459 | $62,838 | $269,500 | Compare |
| Shawnee | 68,175 | $106,312 | $332,900 | Compare |
| Lenexa | 57,986 | $102,344 | $368,800 | Compare |
| Manhattan | 53,951 | $58,441 | $243,700 | 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 Wichita With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wichita
What is the population of Wichita, KS?
The population of Wichita, KS is 396,488 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Wichita?
The median household income in Wichita, KS is $63,072 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wichita?
The median home value in Wichita, KS is $179,500, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wichita?
The median monthly rent in Wichita, KS is $960, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wichita?
The unemployment rate in Wichita, KS is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live?
Wichita offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 396,488 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wichita, KS?
30.9% of residents in Wichita 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 Wichita?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wichita, KS: median home value is $179,500 (27% below national), median rent is $960/month, and median household income is $63,072. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wichita?
The poverty rate in Wichita, KS is 15.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Wichita, KS?
Wichita's population is 15.1% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 9.6% two or more races. 10.0% of residents are foreign-born.