Cherokee County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Kansas
The population of Cherokee County, Kansas is 19,236 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $58,274, the median home value is $99,400, and the median age is 42.0.
The population of Cherokee County has declined 11.1% since 2010 (21,529 → 19,133), a -0.84% annualized rate.
19,236
Population
-0.84%
Annual growth
33
People / sq mi
$58,274
Median Income
$99,400
Median Home Value
Cherokee County covers 588 sq mi of land at 32.7 people per square mile.
About Cherokee County, KS
Cherokee County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 56.7% of the population. Cherokee County is a county in Kansas with a population of 19,236. It ranks #28 among counties in Kansas by population.
The typical household here earns about $58,274, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $99,400, with typical rent around $801.
Roughly 20.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Cherokee County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Cherokee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cherokee County had a population of 21,529 in 2010 and 19,133 in 2024, a -11.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,529 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.84%.
19,133
Population (2024)
21,529
Population (2010)
21,529
Peak (2010)
-0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,529 |
| 2011 | 21,368 |
| 2012 | 21,206 |
| 2013 | 20,915 |
| 2014 | 20,785 |
| 2015 | 20,552 |
| 2016 | 20,280 |
| 2017 | 20,151 |
| 2018 | 20,024 |
| 2019 | 19,948 |
| 2020 | 19,301 |
| 2021 | 19,182 |
| 2022 | 19,043 |
| 2023 | 19,095 |
| 2024 | 19,133 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Age & Sex
42.0
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
19.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,274$-14,365 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,814 |
| Per-capita income | $30,180 |
| Poverty rate | 7.4%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
84.3%
Public transit
5.0%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$99,400$-104,000 vs state
Median home value
$801
Median rent
72.4%
Homeownership rate
9,140
Total housing units
84.5%
Occupied
15.5%
Vacant
27.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.0%
With health insurance
94.1%
With broadband internet
56.7%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
19.2%
With a disability
97.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.9%
High School+
20.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherokee County, Kansas has a population of 19,236 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 33 people per square mile.
The population of Cherokee County has declined 11.1% since 2010 (21,529 → 19,133), a -0.84% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cherokee County, Kansas is $58,274, with mean (average) household income of $70,814 and per-capita income of $30,180. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cherokee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.6%), Hispanic or Latino (7.5%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cherokee County, Kansas is 42.0 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Cherokee County is $99,400 and median monthly rent is $801. 72.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,140 total housing units, 15.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Cherokee County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
More from Kansas
Population 614,764
Population 524,810
Population 178,315
Population 167,277
Full rankings of Kansas counties
Statewide data for Kansas
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.