Barton County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in Kansas
The population of Barton County, Kansas is 25,275 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $56,733, the median home value is $117,200, and the median age is 38.8.
The population of Barton County has declined 10.3% since 2010 (27,675 → 24,835), a -0.77% annualized rate.
25,275
Population
-0.77%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$56,733
Median Income
$117,200
Median Home Value
Barton County covers 895 sq mi of land at 28.2 people per square mile.
About Barton County, KS
Homeownership is the standout figure in Barton County: 66.2% of homes are owner-occupied, close to the national rate. Barton County is a county in Kansas with a population of 25,275. It ranks #24 among counties in Kansas by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,733 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.9%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $117,200, with typical rent around $742.
Roughly 21.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.5%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Barton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Barton County had a population of 27,675 in 2010 and 24,835 in 2024, a -10.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,700 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.77%.
24,835
Population (2024)
27,675
Population (2010)
27,700
Peak (2011)
-0.77%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,675 |
| 2011 | 27,700 |
| 2012 | 27,522 |
| 2013 | 27,447 |
| 2014 | 27,339 |
| 2015 | 27,164 |
| 2016 | 26,904 |
| 2017 | 26,427 |
| 2018 | 26,120 |
| 2019 | 25,938 |
| 2020 | 25,426 |
| 2021 | 25,267 |
| 2022 | 25,055 |
| 2023 | 24,901 |
| 2024 | 24,835 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.8
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,733$-15,906 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,254 |
| Per-capita income | $31,835 |
| Poverty rate | 10.9%+3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Barton County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
80.7%
Public transit
8.5%
Work from home
15.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$117,200$-86,200 vs state
Median home value
$742
Median rent
66.2%
Homeownership rate
12,373
Total housing units
82.6%
Occupied
17.4%
Vacant
33.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.7%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
17.9%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
16.5%
With a disability
91.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.3%
High School+
21.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Barton County, Kansas has a population of 25,275 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Barton County has declined 10.3% since 2010 (27,675 → 24,835), a -0.77% annualized rate.
The median household income in Barton County, Kansas is $56,733, with mean (average) household income of $73,254 and per-capita income of $31,835. 10.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Barton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Barton County, Kansas is 38.8 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Barton County is $117,200 and median monthly rent is $742. 66.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,373 total housing units, 17.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Barton County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Barton County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Barton County, KS Climate
Barton County, KS has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C (55°F) and receives about 648 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.7°C
Avg Temp
648
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 13 mm |
| February | 1° / 35° | 19 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 48 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 59 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 92 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 99 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 85 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 77 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 59 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 49 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 27 mm |
| December | 0° / 33° | 21 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 Barton County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Barton County, KS are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Barton County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kansas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.