Kansas City, MO
Population 508,233 · Missouri
About Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is a major city located in Missouri with a population of 508,233 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,449 per year, which is 10% 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 Kansas City features a median home value of $227,000, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Kansas City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,186, 2% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 243,692 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (119,847 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (99,639 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kansas City shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kansas City have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.8% of Kansas City 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 8.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kansas City Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Kansas City, MO
Compared to national averages, Kansas City has a median household income of $67,449 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $227,000, which is 7% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,186 is 2% above the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Kansas City's income is 10% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 51% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Kansas City, MO?
Kansas City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $227,000, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 37.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,449) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Kansas City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Kansas City has a population of 508,233 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare Kansas City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Kansas City
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 293,109 | $55,279 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Springfield | 169,432 | $45,984 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Columbia | 127,200 | $64,488 | $268,300 | Compare |
| Independence | 121,944 | $59,480 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Lee's Summit | 102,583 | $104,989 | $313,200 | Compare |
| O'Fallon | 92,697 | $107,203 | $305,100 | Compare |
| St. Joseph | 71,542 | $55,578 | $144,200 | Compare |
| St. Charles | 71,048 | $85,522 | $280,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Kansas City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kansas City
What is the population of Kansas City, MO?
The population of Kansas City, MO is 508,233 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Kansas City?
The median household income in Kansas City, MO is $67,449 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kansas City?
The median home value in Kansas City, MO is $227,000, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kansas City?
The median monthly rent in Kansas City, MO is $1,186, which is 2% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kansas City?
The unemployment rate in Kansas City, MO is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kansas City, MO a good place to live?
Kansas City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 508,233 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kansas City, MO?
37.8% of residents in Kansas City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kansas City, MO: median home value is $227,000 (7% below national), median rent is $1,186/month, and median household income is $67,449. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kansas City?
The poverty rate in Kansas City, MO is 14.6%, 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 Kansas City, MO?
Kansas City's population is 8.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 25.5% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.