Manhattan At-a-Glance
LIFE IN MANHATTAN
130,285+
23
54,604+
95.9%
51.8%
METRO POPULATION
MEDIAN AGE
POPULATION
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE*
BACHELOR’S DEGREE*
*Percent of persons age 25 years +
TOP CITY RANKINGS
No. 1 on a list of best Town-Gown Relationships
![](https://madeformanhattan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Princeton-Review.png)
FORBES: BEST SMALL PLACES FOR BUSINESS AND CAREERS
![](https://madeformanhattan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Forbes.png)
TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE YOUNG
![](https://madeformanhattan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CNN.png)
OTHER RANKINGS
TOP 100 PLACES TO LIVE IN AMERICA
-LIVABILITY
ONE OF THE TOP 50 COLLEGE TOWNS IN AMERICA
-Best College Reviews
ONE OF THE TOP 10 PLACES TO RETIRE
-Money Magazine
ATTRACTIONS
29
PARKS
160+
MEDIAN RESTAURANTS, BARS AND COFFEE SHOPS
170
MILES OF TRAILS
586
BIKE RACKS
COMMUTES
14.7 MIN
MEAN TRAVEL TIME TO WORK
1 HR
DRIVE TO TOPEKA
2 HR
DRIVE TO KANSAS CITY OR WICHITA
3 HR
DRIVE TO OMAHA
1.5 HR
FLIGHT TO DALLAS
LARGEST EMPLOYERS
![](https://madeformanhattan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/KANSAS_STATE_UNIVERSITY.png)
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Kansas State University is the leading employer in Manhattan, with more than 6,000 employees on the campus that serves more than 22,795 students. KSU has a vision to become a Top 50 public research university by 2025 and boasts top athletics programs that attract large crowds to the Manhattan area.
KEY PRIVATE EMPLOYERS
COST OF LIVING
$213,200
MEDIAN HOME VALUE
$50,957
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$1,605
MEDIAN SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS WITH A MORTGAGE
$619
MEDIAN SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS WITHOUT A MORTGAGE
$911
MEDIAN GROSS RENT
POTT. COUNTY TAXES
State of Kansas sales tax
6.50%
County General Purpose
1.00%
City General Purpose
1.00%
City Street Maintenance
0.20%
City Recreation and Trails
0.25%
Total sales tax rate (2020)
8.95%
RILEY COUNTY TAXES
State of Kansas sales tax
6.50%
County General Purpose
0.50%
County Roads, Bridges & Economic Development
0.50%
City General Purpose
1.00%
City Street Maintenance
0.20%
City Recreation and Trails
0.25%
Total sales tax rate (2020)
8.95%
PURPOSE OF LOCAL TAXES
![](https://madeformanhattan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Parks-Wht_Copy.png)
City Recreation and Trails Tax
In 2017, Manhattan community members voted for a 0.25% sales tax increase to fund indoor recreation facilities, improvements to CiCo park, and trails.
![](https://madeformanhattan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Street_Copy.png)
Street Maintenance Sales Tax
In 2016, Manhattan community members voted for a 0.20% sales tax increase to fund street repairs and Safe Routes to School projects.
![](https://madeformanhattan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/City_Copy.png)
County Roads, Bridges, and Economic Development Sales Tax
In 2012, Manhattan community members voted for a 0.5% sales tax increase in Riley County to fund county roads, bridges, and economic development initiatives. It expires in 2022.
![](https://madeformanhattan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Retail_Tax_Copy.png)
Economic Recovery & Relief Sales Tax (Starting 2023)
In 2020, Manhattan community members voted for a 0.5% sales tax increase in Pottawatomie County for debt and infrastructure, economic development, and workforce housing starting in 2023. It will expire in 2033.