Yates Center, KS
Population 1,381 · Kansas
About Yates Center, KS
Yates Center is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,381 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,433 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.4 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 Yates Center features a median home value of $60,000, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Yates Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $590, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 779 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (448 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (162 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Yates Center shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Yates Center have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.6% of Yates Center 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 0.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Yates Center, KS
Compared to national averages, Yates Center has a median household income of $43,433 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $60,000, which is 76% below the national median. Monthly rent at $590 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Yates Center's income is 32% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 47% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Yates Center, KS?
Yates Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $60,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $590/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,433) that falls below the national average. However, Yates Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Yates Center has a population of 1,381 with a median age of 50.4 years. Compare Yates Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Yates Center
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atwood | 1,388 | $66,473 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Haven | 1,394 | $59,258 | $95,000 | Compare |
| La Cygne | 1,368 | $57,233 | $123,000 | Compare |
| Sublette | 1,397 | $69,784 | $151,100 | Compare |
| Carbondale | 1,361 | $67,578 | $112,300 | Compare |
| Kinsley | 1,342 | $48,935 | $59,900 | Compare |
| Inman | 1,425 | $61,083 | $149,200 | Compare |
| Pleasanton | 1,434 | $51,830 | $109,400 | 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 Yates Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Yates Center
What is the population of Yates Center, KS?
The population of Yates Center, KS is 1,381 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 Yates Center?
The median household income in Yates Center, KS is $43,433 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Yates Center?
The median home value in Yates Center, KS is $60,000, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Yates Center?
The median monthly rent in Yates Center, KS is $590, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Yates Center?
The unemployment rate in Yates Center, KS is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Yates Center, KS a good place to live?
Yates Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,381 and a median age of 50.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Yates Center, KS?
25.6% of residents in Yates Center 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 Yates Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Yates Center, KS: median home value is $60,000 (76% below national), median rent is $590/month, and median household income is $43,433. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Yates Center?
The poverty rate in Yates Center, KS is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Yates Center, KS?
Yates Center's population is 0.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.