Oberlin, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,734
-1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,284/yr
9.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,062
4.0% year-over-year change

Oberlin population

How many people live in Oberlin

Oberlin is home to 1,734 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Oberlin locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
1,734
-1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
868
Female
49.9%
866
Value Percent YoY change
Male 868 50.1% -2.2%
Female 866 49.9% -1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Oberlin is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 3.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 20.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
52.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
3.9%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
20.9%
Over 65
33.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 301 17.4% 5.2%
15 to 24 68 3.9% -16.1%
25 to 44 416 24% -5.0%
45 to 64 362 20.9% 14.6%
Over 65 587 33.8% -8.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Oberlin, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,686 97.2% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10 0.6% -16.7%
Non-citizens 38 2.2% -5.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 1,577 91%
Black or African American 4 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0.8%
Two or more races 90 5.2%
Other 49 2.8%

Households in Oberlin

A peek inside Oberlin households

Oberlin has 847 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.5% are families, while the remaining 50.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
847
-4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
428
Family households
419
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 428 50.5% 0.9%
Family households 419 49.5% -8.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Oberlin

The housing landscape of Oberlin

Oberlin's housing consists of 1,062 units, with 91.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,062
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 972 91.5%
1 unit, attached 16 1.5%
2 units 8 0.8%
3 or 4 units 14 1.3%
5 to 9 units 9 0.8%
10 to 19 units 18 1.7%
Mobile home 25 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oberlin

In Oberlin, the median construction year is 1956. About 29.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 318 29.9% 7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 103 9.7% -13.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 193 18.2% 11.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 175 16.5% 4.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 191 18% 10.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 33 3.1% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14 1.3% -17.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 25 2.4% -28.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10 0.9% 42.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Oberlin occupancy rates

Out of the 847 occupied housing units in Oberlin, 76.9% are owner-occupied, while 23.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
847
-4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
196
Owner occupied
651
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 196 23.1% 5.4%
Owner occupied 651 76.9% -6.7%
Unoccupied housing units
20.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Oberlin housing costs

Housing costs in Oberlin come to a median of $644 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $593.

Median housing costs per month
$644/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Oberlin
$593/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Oberlin

Oberlin education at a glance

About 31.3% of the population in Oberlin went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 12.4% earned an associate degree and 24.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 1.3% -30.8%
High school diploma 433 31.3% -6.3%
College diploma 320 23.2% 6.3%
Associate degree 172 12.4% -1.1%
Bachelor's degree 335 24.2% -0.3%
Graduate degree 104 7.5% -0.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Oberlin

How much people earn in Oberlin

The average annual household income in Oberlin was $67,800 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,284, reflecting a +9.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oberlin
$67,800/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oberlin
$52,284/year
9.3% year-over-year change

Oberlin income by age

In Oberlin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,818. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,063 overall. Overall, 88.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $46,818 1.2%
45 - 64 $69,063 6.2%
Over 65 $50,129 18.4%
Above poverty level
1,487
Below poverty level
191
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,487 88.6% 1.3%
Below poverty level 191 11.4% -12.4%

Average renter income in Oberlin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Oberlin, their median household income was $27,462 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,462
Rent-to-income ratio
25.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Oberlin

Workforce and job types in Oberlin

The job market in Oberlin is powered by 780 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.8% run their own businesses, 48.3% are employed by private companies, and 21.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
780
-2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
599
Blue collar
181
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 599 76.8% -1.2%
Blue collar 181 23.2% -7.2%
Employer type
Self employees
25.8%
Private companies
48.3%
Governmental workers
21.5%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 201 25.8% -6.9%
Private companies 377 48.3% -2.3%
Governmental workers 168 21.5% 5.0%
Not for profit companies 34 4.4% -12.8%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
11.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oberlin stands at 2.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Oberlin

How people get around in Oberlin

Commuting methods vary: 74.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 579 74.2% 4.5%
Bus or trolleybus 46 5.9% -6.1%
Walk 6 0.8% -76.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Oberlin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67749 2,209 1,060 $54,000 $69,107

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FAQs about Oberlin demographics 

What is the total population of Oberlin?

Oberlin has a total population of 1,734 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oberlin?

The gender ratio in Oberlin is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (868 residents)
  • 49.9% females (866 residents)

What is the median age in Oberlin?

The median age in Oberlin is 52.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Oberlin?

The age distribution in Oberlin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (301 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 3.9% (68 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (416 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.9% (362 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.8% (587 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oberlin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oberlin is as follows:
  • White: 91% (1,577 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (90 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (49 residents)

What percentage of the population in Oberlin are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Oberlin.

How many housing units are there in Oberlin?

There are 1,062 housing units in Oberlin, reflecting a +4.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Oberlin and what is the average household size?

Oberlin has a total of 847 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oberlin?

Oberlin has a median household income of $52,284, representing a +9.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Oberlin?

The employment rate is 97.5% in Oberlin, with a workforce of 780 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.8% (599 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.2% (181 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.8% (201 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.3% (377 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.5% (168 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (34 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025