Median Income
$78,125
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$164,000
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.9%
5% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,301
12% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.2%
15% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
86% lower than US avg
How Riley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population826
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density1,620/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,125
Per Capita$34,477
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty1.7%
County GDP$3,814M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$164,000
Rent$1,301
Ownership89.8%
Zillow$229,776
Housing Units398
Rent Burden28.4%
Health
Obesity27.2%
Uninsured3.0%
Smoking12.4%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain32.2 in/yr
Elevation1,284 ft (391 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.9%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score6.57
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations12
Libraries3
Is Riley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riley receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Riley stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Riley is $78,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riley is $164,000, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,301 per month. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
31.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Riley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches, including 13.7 inches of snow.
Riley has a population of 826 with a density of 1,620 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 3.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
826
Total Population
2023 Census
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Riley is $78,125, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,477 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,032 business establishments, including 165 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,125 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,477 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,031 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.7% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,032 |
| County GDP | $3,814M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 165 |
| Healthcare | 226 |
| Retail | 226 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,783 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Riley is $164,000, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,776, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $209,900 with homes selling in an average of 89 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,301 (12% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $875 for a one-bedroom to $1,068 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 398 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $6,783 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $164,000 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,776 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $209,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $209,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $144 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 89 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,301 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $875 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,068 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,485 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,792 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.2% |
| Housing Units | 398 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,783 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.14% |
In Riley, 27.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.8% have high blood pressure. 12.4% are current smokers. 19.8% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.3% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,444. The dentist ratio is 1:1,616. 88.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Riley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.2% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.4% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 3.0% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,444 |
| Dentists | 1:1,616 |
| Mental Health | 1:289 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 72.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,337/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 226 |
Riley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches. The area receives 13.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,284 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 55.0°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,284 ft (391 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,620/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2992°N, 96.8278°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Riley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.2"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.83"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
140 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
91 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
65 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
66 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
60 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
90 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
63 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 787 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
89 km |
16 |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1978 |
EF3 |
39 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ANNUAL BUR (60,039 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
35 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
68 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
16 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
6 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
26 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
14 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK WALL |
8,468 |
93 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
40 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
7,758 |
7 km |
| 2004 |
TALLGRASS 04 |
7,733 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
TALLGRASS 2005 |
7,510 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,465 |
14 km |
| 2015 |
IMPACT |
7,242 |
14 km |
| 2014 |
MOYER RANCH |
6,641 |
34 km |
| 2003 |
TAPR 03 |
6,548 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
TALLGRASS 02 |
6,311 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Riley has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 29°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Riley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $681 |
| Toddler | $641 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $521 |
| Toddler | $424 |
| Preschool | $424 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Riley
What is the population of Riley?
Riley has a population of 826 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,620 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Riley expensive to live in?
Riley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $78,125, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $164,000 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,301 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Riley?
Riley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 32.2 inches, with 13.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Riley?
The job market in Riley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 2,032 business establishments in the area, including 165 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riley?
The median home value in Riley is $164,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,776. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $209,900, with homes typically selling within 89 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,301. Fair market rent is $875 for a 1-bedroom and $1,068 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,783.
How are the schools in Riley?
Schools in Riley score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.9% of adults in Riley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riley?
The obesity rate in Riley is 27.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.4% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 3.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 88.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,444.
What is transportation like in Riley?
The average commute in Riley is 26 minutes. 72.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riley is 93% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.