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
Cowley County is a county in Kansas with a population of 34,487. It ranks #15 among counties in Kansas by population. The median age is 38.1, in line with the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Cowley County is $58,263, below the US median of $74,580. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $111,600, with monthly rent averaging $779. The homeownership rate of 70.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cowley County reflects 24.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.3 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+
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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.
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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.