Ellis County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in Kansas
The population of Ellis County, Kansas is 28,870 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $59,889, the median home value is $211,100, and the median age is 32.5.
The population of Ellis County has grown 2.1% since 2010 (28,424 → 29,007), a +0.15% annualized rate.
28,870
Population
+0.15%
Annual growth
32
People / sq mi
$59,889
Median Income
$211,100
Median Home Value
Ellis County covers 900 sq mi of land at 32.1 people per square mile.
About Ellis County, KS
Age is the most distinctive thing about Ellis County: a median age of 32.5, younger than the national median. With 28,870 residents, Ellis County is a county in Kansas. It ranks #21 among counties in Kansas by population.
Median household income is $59,889, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $211,100, with typical rent around $899.
Ellis County is among the best-educated US counties: 39.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. About 6.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 13 minutes each way.
Ellis County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ellis County had a population of 28,424 in 2010 and 29,007 in 2024, a 2.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 29,100 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: 0.15%.
29,007
Population (2024)
28,424
Population (2010)
29,100
Peak (2012)
0.15%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,424 |
| 2011 | 28,772 |
| 2012 | 29,100 |
| 2013 | 29,044 |
| 2014 | 28,983 |
| 2015 | 29,030 |
| 2016 | 28,946 |
| 2017 | 28,755 |
| 2018 | 28,709 |
| 2019 | 28,652 |
| 2020 | 28,951 |
| 2021 | 28,856 |
| 2022 | 28,868 |
| 2023 | 28,920 |
| 2024 | 29,007 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.5
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
15.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 15.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,889$-12,750 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,458 |
| Per-capita income | $37,575 |
| Poverty rate | 10.4%+2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 70.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ellis County is professional & business services, accounting for 33.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
7.0%
Carpool
80.5%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
13.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$211,100+$7,700 vs state
Median home value
$899
Median rent
62.4%
Homeownership rate
13,247
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
37.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.8%
With health insurance
95.3%
With broadband internet
20.9%
Foreign-born
3.8%
Veterans (18+)
11.5%
With a disability
93.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
39.5%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Kansas
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ellis County, Kansas has a population of 28,870 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 32 people per square mile.
The population of Ellis County has grown 2.1% since 2010 (28,424 → 29,007), a +0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ellis County, Kansas is $59,889, with mean (average) household income of $89,458 and per-capita income of $37,575. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ellis County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.1%), Black or African American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ellis County, Kansas is 32.5 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Ellis County is $211,100 and median monthly rent is $899. 62.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,247 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ellis County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 33.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Ellis 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.