Atchison County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 31st-largest in Kansas
The population of Atchison County, Kansas is 16,211 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 31st-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $62,164, the median home value is $147,900, and the median age is 36.4.
The population of Atchison County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (16,855 → 16,249), a -0.26% annualized rate.
16,211
Population
-0.26%
Annual growth
38
People / sq mi
$62,164
Median Income
$147,900
Median Home Value
Atchison County covers 431 sq mi of land at 37.6 people per square mile.
About Atchison County, KS
Age is the most distinctive thing about Atchison County: a median age of 36.4, younger than the national median. With 16,211 residents, Atchison County is a county in Kansas. It ranks #31 among counties in Kansas by population.
The typical household here earns about $62,164, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.4%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $147,900, with typical rent around $756.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.3%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Atchison County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Atchison County had a population of 16,855 in 2010 and 16,249 in 2024, a -3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,855 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.
16,249
Population (2024)
16,855
Population (2010)
16,855
Peak (2010)
-0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,855 |
| 2011 | 16,756 |
| 2012 | 16,779 |
| 2013 | 16,697 |
| 2014 | 16,534 |
| 2015 | 16,429 |
| 2016 | 16,376 |
| 2017 | 16,319 |
| 2018 | 16,202 |
| 2019 | 16,138 |
| 2020 | 16,325 |
| 2021 | 16,235 |
| 2022 | 16,091 |
| 2023 | 16,142 |
| 2024 | 16,249 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.5% |
| Black or African American | 4.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.4
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,164$-10,475 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,019 |
| Per-capita income | $29,910 |
| Poverty rate | 8.4%+0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Atchison County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.9%
Carpool
78.0%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
21.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$147,900$-55,500 vs state
Median home value
$756
Median rent
73.4%
Homeownership rate
6,811
Total housing units
86.3%
Occupied
13.7%
Vacant
26.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.3%
With health insurance
91.8%
With broadband internet
31.3%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.3%
High School+
22.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Atchison County, Kansas has a population of 16,211 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 31st-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 38 people per square mile.
The population of Atchison County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (16,855 → 16,249), a -0.26% annualized rate.
The median household income in Atchison County, Kansas is $62,164, with mean (average) household income of $78,019 and per-capita income of $29,910. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Atchison County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.5%), Black or African American (4.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Atchison County, Kansas is 36.4 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Atchison County is $147,900 and median monthly rent is $756. 73.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,811 total housing units, 13.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Atchison County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Atchison County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Atchison County, KS Climate
Atchison County, KS has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C (53°F) and receives about 946 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.9°C
Avg Temp
946
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 26° | 24 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 26 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 62 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 82 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 127 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 128 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 107 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 104 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 119 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 79 mm |
| November | 5° / 42° | 54 mm |
| December | -1° / 31° | 34 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Atchison County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Atchison County, KS are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Atchison County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.