Wichita, KS
Population 396,488 · Kansas
About Wichita, KS
Wichita is a major city in Kansas with a population of 396,488 residents. The median household income is $63,072 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Wichita is 35.7 years.
Housing in Wichita has a median home value of $179,500 and median monthly rent of $960. Of the 175,539 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 92,121 owner-occupied and 65,525 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Wichita is 5.7% and the poverty rate is 15.9%. 30.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.9 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wichita
What is the population of Wichita, KS?
The population of Wichita, KS is 396,488 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Wichita?
The median household income in Wichita, KS is $63,072 per year.
What is the median home value in Wichita?
The median home value in Wichita, KS is $179,500.
What is the average rent in Wichita?
The median monthly rent in Wichita, KS is $960.
What is the unemployment rate in Wichita?
The unemployment rate in Wichita, KS is 5.7%.