Valley Falls, Kansas Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Valley Falls, Kansas had a total population of 1,382, the 160th largest city in Kansas, with a median household income of $46,681, which is 37% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 37% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Valley Falls Quick Facts
How Valley Falls 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 | 1,305 | 1,382 | +5.9% |
| Median household income | $43,333 | $46,681 | +7.7% |
| Median home value | $118,200 | $122,700 | +3.8% |
How Valley Falls 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+)
Valley Falls Rankings in Kansas
Explore Kansas Rankings
Other Cities in Jefferson County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oskaloosa | 1,113 | $83,750 | 5.7% | $183,100 |
| Perry | 1,069 | $82,375 | 7.9% | $174,000 |
| McLouth | 864 | $73,967 | 6.0% | $202,500 |
| Meriden | 716 | $76,667 | 6.1% | $176,400 |
| Nortonville | 715 | $58,571 | 18.6% | $102,000 |
| Ozawkie | 604 | $100,156 | 0.7% | $214,300 |
| Winchester | 417 | $55,833 | 6.1% | $102,400 |
| Grantville | 122 | $65,063 | 0.0% | $212,500 |
| Williamstown | 31 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Valley Falls
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinsley | 1,328 | $49,206 | $68,200 | 20.8% | 19.3% |
| Osborne | 1,358 | $51,776 | $84,400 | 20.2% | 9.3% |
| Hill City | 1,511 | $48,512 | $92,800 | 28.8% | 16.7% |
| Pleasanton | 1,516 | $49,565 | $102,900 | 17.5% | 11.0% |
| Caney | 1,431 | $39,000 | $81,500 | 10.4% | 17.4% |
Population Overview
Valley Falls is a small community located in Kansas, within Jefferson County. The total population is 1,382. It ranks as the 160th most populous out of 721 Census-designated places in Kansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Valley Falls is 47.4 years. This is 27% higher than the state median of 37.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Valley Falls is $46,681. This is 37% lower than the state median of $74,275. It is also 42% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%. This is 47% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.3%. The unemployment rate is 1.8%. This is 53% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $122,700. Housing costs are 44% lower than the state median of $217,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Valley Falls is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 54.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% lower than the state average of 67.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Valley Falls has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.9% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 1.9%. The Black or African American population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 5.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.
Education
20.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 43% 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 93.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Valley Falls, 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 Valley Falls, Kansas?
Valley Falls, Kansas has a population of 1,382 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Valley Falls, KS?
The median household income in Valley Falls is $46,681, which is 42% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Valley Falls, KS?
The poverty rate in Valley Falls is 5.9%. This means approximately 79 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Valley Falls, Kansas?
Valley Falls's population is 86.9% White, 1.9% Black, 1.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Valley Falls, KS?
The median home value in Valley Falls is $122,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Valley Falls, Kansas?
20.2% of adults (25+) in Valley Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.