Barber County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 71st-largest in Kansas
The population of Barber County, Kansas is 4,153 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 71st-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $57,615, the median home value is $92,700, and the median age is 42.6.
The population of Barber County has declined 16.1% since 2010 (4,852 → 4,070), a -1.25% annualized rate.
4,153
Population
-1.25%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$57,615
Median Income
$92,700
Median Home Value
Barber County covers 1,134 sq mi of land at 3.7 people per square mile.
About Barber County, KS
Remote work is unusually rare in Barber County: 2.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 4,153 residents, Barber County is a county in Kansas.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $57,615 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $92,700, with typical rent around $743.
College attainment is above the local norm at 27.1%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 2.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Barber County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Barber County had a population of 4,852 in 2010 and 4,070 in 2024, a -16.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,922 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -1.23%.
4,070
Population (2024)
4,852
Population (2010)
4,922
Peak (2011)
-1.23%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,852 |
| 2011 | 4,922 |
| 2012 | 4,867 |
| 2013 | 4,909 |
| 2014 | 4,881 |
| 2015 | 4,824 |
| 2016 | 4,672 |
| 2017 | 4,569 |
| 2018 | 4,462 |
| 2019 | 4,458 |
| 2020 | 4,203 |
| 2021 | 4,105 |
| 2022 | 4,125 |
| 2023 | 4,078 |
| 2024 | 4,070 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.6
Median Age
48.1%
Female
51.9%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.7% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,615$-15,024 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,910 |
| Per-capita income | $34,620 |
| Poverty rate | 11.3%+3.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Barber County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
85.1%
Public transit
2.8%
Work from home
15.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$92,700$-110,700 vs state
Median home value
$743
Median rent
81.3%
Homeownership rate
2,461
Total housing units
73.4%
Occupied
26.6%
Vacant
18.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.1%
With health insurance
94.2%
With broadband internet
24.4%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
18.9%
With a disability
97.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.0%
High School+
27.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Barber County, Kansas has a population of 4,153 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 71st-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Barber County has declined 16.1% since 2010 (4,852 → 4,070), a -1.25% annualized rate.
The median household income in Barber County, Kansas is $57,615, with mean (average) household income of $78,910 and per-capita income of $34,620. 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Barber County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.8%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Barber County, Kansas is 42.6 years. Residents are 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
The median home value in Barber County is $92,700 and median monthly rent is $743. 81.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,461 total housing units, 26.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Barber County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Barber County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Barber County, KS Climate
Barber County, KS has an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F) and receives about 679 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14°C
Avg Temp
679
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 16 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 23 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 55 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 61 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 93 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 98 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 74 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 76 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 66 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 55 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 40 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 22 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 Barber County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Barber County, KS are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 35°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Barber County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.