Liberal, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Liberal, Kansas is 19,107 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest city in Kansas. The median household income is $61,875, the median home value is $134,500, and the median age is 30.9.
The population has declined 6.7% since 2010 (20,552 → 19,184).
19,107
Population
1590
People / sq mi
$61,875
Median Income
$134,500
Median Home Value
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Liberal covers 12.0 sq mi of land at 1590 people per square mile.
About Liberal, KS
Educational attainment is the headline number in Liberal: 10.6% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Liberal is a city in Kansas with a population of 19,107. It ranks #23 among cities in Kansas by population.
The typical household earns $61,875, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.2% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $134,500, with typical rent around $931.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US cities, 10.6%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.1%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Liberal city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Liberal city had a population of 20,552 in 2010 and 19,184 in 2024, a -6.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,908 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.48%.
19,184
Population (2024)
20,552
Population (2010)
20,908
Peak (2012)
-0.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,552 |
| 2011 | 20,700 |
| 2012 | 20,908 |
| 2013 | 20,863 |
| 2014 | 20,853 |
| 2015 | 20,833 |
| 2016 | 20,490 |
| 2017 | 19,902 |
| 2018 | 19,601 |
| 2019 | 19,174 |
| 2020 | 19,739 |
| 2021 | 19,653 |
| 2022 | 19,251 |
| 2023 | 19,136 |
| 2024 | 19,184 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 38.1% |
| Black or African American | 3.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$61,875
Median Household Income
$28,688
Per Capita Income
12.2%
Poverty Rate
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$134,500
Median Home Value
$931
Median Rent
58.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
70.9%
High School+
10.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
76.0%
Public Transit
3.1%
Work From Home
16.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
21.4%
Foreign Born
38.9%
Non-English at Home
2.0%
Veterans
10.1%
With Disability
85.5%
Health Insurance
92.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 28.9% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 7.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.3% |
| Retail Trade | 4.8% |
| Information | 4.5% |
| Public Administration | 3.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 2.6% |
| Construction | 2.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.4% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Liberal, Kansas has a population of 19,107 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest city in Kansas.
The median household income in Liberal, Kansas is $61,875, with 12.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Liberal, Kansas is $134,500, with median monthly rent at $931 and a homeownership rate of 58.4%.
The median age in Liberal, Kansas is 30.9 years. The population is 52.4% male and 47.6% female.
The population has declined 6.7% since 2010 (20,552 → 19,184).
Where to stay in Liberal
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.