Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riley, KS
Thinking of moving to Riley, KS? With a small-town population of just 953, Riley offers affordable living—median home prices hover around $162,000 and rents average $850. The city boasts low violent crime rates, quick 22-minute commutes, and highly-rated local schools. Residents enjoy a friendly rural atmosphere, plenty of sunny days, and easy access to healthcare and higher education nearby in Manhattan. Riley is a great fit for those seeking safety, affordability, and a tight-knit Kansas community.
Demographics - Riley, KS
Riley, KS is a small community of 953 residents with a youthful median age of 33.2. The population is predominantly White, and the city maintains a balanced gender ratio with a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and welcoming environment.
Population:
953
Density:
1,980 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.2
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.2%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
6.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Riley, KS?
The cost of living in Riley is notably affordable, with a median home value of $162,000 and average rents around $850. Utilities and everyday expenses are below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.6
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
56.5
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
78.3
Health Care:
93.2
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Riley, KS a safe place to live?
Riley enjoys a low violent crime rate, with only about 101 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place for families. Property crime is also relatively rare, providing residents with peace of mind in their daily lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
101
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,181
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 990
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Riley, KS year-round?
Residents of Riley experience all four seasons, with warm summers peaking near 90°F and winters dipping to around 19°F. The city receives about 33.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 62% of the year, supporting a comfortable and active lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Riley benefit from a median income of $66,500 and a low unemployment rate of 2.7%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and educational attainment is high, with over 94% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$36,100
Household Income:
$66,500
Family Income:
$74,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$31,900
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
26.5%
Education
How are the schools in Riley, KS?
Riley is served by well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and nearby Kansas State University in Manhattan offers higher education opportunities just 17 miles away. The community places a strong emphasis on educational attainment for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Riley County Grade School
Street:
117 N Remmele St
Phone:
785-485-4010
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Riley County High School
Street:
12451 Fairview Church Rd
Phone:
785-485-4661
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.7

Colleges
Name:
Kansas State University
City:
Manhattan
State:
KS
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Riley is easily accessible, with major hospitals like Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan located nearby. The city has a strong ratio of physicians per capita and over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage, supporting a healthy community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan
Address:
1823 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone:
(785) 776-3322
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Riley, KS?
Riley's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $162,000 and about two-thirds of homes owner-occupied. Home appreciation remains positive, and rental options are readily available with a vacancy rate of 6.1%.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local vehicle and licensing services are managed by the Kansas Department of Revenue in Topeka, offering convenient resources and online access for Riley residents. The DMV provides support for driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and related needs.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3621
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.