Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Riley, KS
Considering a move to Fort Riley, KS? This military community of 7,761 offers affordable living with a median home price of $178,000 and average rent around $1,130. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 12.5 minutes, low housing costs, and strong access to healthcare. While property crime rates are average for the region, the area boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage and ample sunny days (63% per year). Quality local schools and proximity to Kansas State University make Fort Riley a practical choice for military families and civilians alike.
Demographics - Fort Riley, KS
Demographics - Fort Riley, KS
Fort Riley is home to 7,761 residents, with a notably young median age of 22.7 and a population density of 1,040 people per square mile. The community features a diverse mix, with 68% identifying as White and 17% as Black, and has a higher proportion of males due to its military presence. About 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the area's multicultural environment.
Population:
7,761
Density:
1,040 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.7
Gender Ratio:
157 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
68.2%
Black:
17.0%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
12.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Riley, KS?
Fort Riley offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $178,000 and average rent at $1,130. The cost of living index is 87.1, well below the national average, making daily expenses, housing, and utilities budget-friendly for residents. State income tax rates range from 3.1% to 5.7%, and utilities and healthcare costs remain reasonable for Kansas.
Median House Value:
$178,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
3.10%
|
High:
5.70%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.1
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
66.4
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
90.1
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Fort Riley, KS a safe place to live?
Fort Riley experiences a relatively low rate of violent crime, with about 208 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime is moderate at a rate of 1,510 per 100,000. The chance of falling victim to a violent crime is about 1 in 480, reflecting safety levels typical for a military-centered community. Residents can generally expect a secure environment with law enforcement presence.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
208
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,510
Crime Index:
1,718
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 480
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Riley, KS year-round?
Residents in Fort Riley enjoy four distinct seasons, with summer highs around 90°F and winter lows near 20°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunny weather 63% of the year, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring mild springs and falls, making for a comfortable Midwest living experience.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Fort Riley is $51,700, with a poverty rate of 11.2% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times are short, averaging just 12.5 minutes. The area is family-friendly and features a small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$51,700
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,700
Income Male:
$30,500
Income Female:
$25,200
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
12.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.8%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Riley, KS?
Fort Riley provides access to quality public schools, such as Fort Riley Middle School and Morris Hill Elementary, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education options and proximity to Kansas State University, just 18 miles away, expand educational opportunities for families. The community values education, with a high percentage of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Fort Riley Middle School
Street:
4022 1st Division Rd
Phone:
785-717-4500
Students:
625
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Morris Hill Elementary School
Street:
411 Custer Ave
Phone:
785-717-4650
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. Xavier Catholic School
Street:
200 N. Washington St, Junction City
Phone:
785-238-2841
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Kansas State University
City:
Manhattan
State:
KS
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
20,229
Name:
Manhattan Area Technical College
City:
Manhattan
State:
KS
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Fort Riley residents benefit from high-quality healthcare access, including the Irwin Army Community Hospital and nearby Geary Community Hospital, both offering emergency services. Health insurance coverage is high at 97.2%, and there are 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring timely medical care. The healthcare index of 76.5 reflects solid service availability for the region.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Irwin Army Community Hospital
Address:
650 Huebner Rd, Fort Riley, KS 66442
Phone:
(785) 239-7000
Type:
General & Military
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Geary Community Hospital
Address:
1102 St Marys Rd, Junction City, KS 66441
Phone:
(785) 238-4131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Riley, KS?
The housing market in Fort Riley is affordable, with a median home price of $178,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $1,130. Owner occupancy is low due to the transient military population, while the rental vacancy rate stands at 8%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, rising 4.1% over the past year, making the area attractive for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$178,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
2.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Fort Riley residents are managed by the Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles, located in Topeka. The DMV offers standard licensing, titling, and registration services, with detailed information available on their official website. Residents can reach the office by phone for assistance or to schedule appointments.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
1-785-296-3963
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.