Oberlin, Kansas Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Oberlin, Kansas had a total population of 1,734, the 135th largest city in Kansas, with a median household income of $52,284, which is 30% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x.
Oberlin Quick Facts
How Oberlin Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,763 | 1,734 | -1.6% |
| Median household income | $47,813 | $52,284 | +9.4% |
| Median home value | $77,400 | $88,700 | +14.6% |
How Oberlin Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 45 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Oberlin Rankings in Kansas
Explore Kansas Rankings
Other Cities in Decatur County
Cities Similar to Oberlin
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | 1,746 | $58,387 | $108,500 | 28.7% | 11.1% |
| Smith Center | 1,680 | $56,007 | $90,400 | 20.2% | 8.4% |
| Humboldt | 1,793 | $47,560 | $90,900 | 21.3% | 24.0% |
| Elkhart | 1,661 | $56,771 | $101,600 | 12.8% | 16.9% |
| Plainville | 1,656 | $59,236 | $82,500 | 27.7% | 2.5% |
Population Overview
Oberlin is a small community located in Kansas, within Decatur County. The total population is 1,734. It ranks as the 135th most populous out of 721 Census-designated places in Kansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Oberlin is 52.5 years. This is 40% higher than the state median of 37.4 years. 14.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Oberlin is $52,284. This is 30% lower than the state median of $74,275. It is also 35% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%. This is 2% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.3%. The unemployment rate is 2.5%. This is 36% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $88,700. Housing costs are 59% lower than the state median of $217,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Oberlin is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 67.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Oberlin has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.4%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 5.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.4%) is well below the state average of 13.6%.
Education
32.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Oberlin, Kansas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Kansas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 721 Census-designated places in Kansas. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Oberlin, Kansas?
Oberlin, Kansas has a population of 1,734 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Oberlin, KS?
The median household income in Oberlin is $52,284, which is 35% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Oberlin, KS?
The poverty rate in Oberlin is 11.5%. This means approximately 193 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Oberlin, Kansas?
Oberlin's population is 90.1% White, 0.2% Black, 4.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Oberlin, KS?
The median home value in Oberlin is $88,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x.
How educated is Oberlin, Kansas?
32.2% of adults (25+) in Oberlin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.