Cowley County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in Kansas
The population of Cowley County, Kansas is 34,487 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $58,263, the median home value is $111,600, and the median age is 38.1.
The population of Cowley County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (36,314 → 34,186), a -0.43% annualized rate.
34,487
Population
-0.43%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$58,263
Median Income
$111,600
Median Home Value
Cowley County covers 1,126 sq mi of land at 30.6 people per square mile.
About Cowley County, KS
In Cowley County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $111,600. With 34,487 residents, Cowley County is a county in Kansas. It ranks #15 among counties in Kansas by population.
The typical household here earns about $58,263, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.6%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $111,600, with typical rent around $779.
Roughly 24.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Cowley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cowley County had a population of 36,314 in 2010 and 34,186 in 2024, a -5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,314 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
34,186
Population (2024)
36,314
Population (2010)
36,314
Peak (2010)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,314 |
| 2011 | 36,259 |
| 2012 | 36,281 |
| 2013 | 36,186 |
| 2014 | 35,918 |
| 2015 | 35,774 |
| 2016 | 35,662 |
| 2017 | 35,311 |
| 2018 | 35,067 |
| 2019 | 34,784 |
| 2020 | 34,535 |
| 2021 | 34,631 |
| 2022 | 34,457 |
| 2023 | 34,245 |
| 2024 | 34,186 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.6% |
| Black or African American | 2.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.1
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,263$-14,376 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,057 |
| Per-capita income | $31,072 |
| Poverty rate | 11.6%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cowley County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
4.8%
Work from home
20.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$111,600$-91,800 vs state
Median home value
$779
Median rent
70.5%
Homeownership rate
15,647
Total housing units
85.2%
Occupied
14.8%
Vacant
29.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
92.2%
With broadband internet
25.7%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
18.0%
With a disability
93.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.6%
High School+
24.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cowley County, Kansas has a population of 34,487 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Cowley County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (36,314 → 34,186), a -0.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cowley County, Kansas is $58,263, with mean (average) household income of $77,057 and per-capita income of $31,072. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cowley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.4%), Black or African American (2.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cowley County, Kansas is 38.1 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Cowley County is $111,600 and median monthly rent is $779. 70.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,647 total housing units, 14.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cowley County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Cowley County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Cowley County, KS Climate
Cowley County, KS has an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F) and receives about 880 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
880
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 25 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 30 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 64 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 81 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 118 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 117 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 83 mm |
| August | 26° / 80° | 89 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 98 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 78 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 62 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 35 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 Cowley County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Cowley County, KS are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cowley County
Visiting or relocating to Cowley County, KS? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.