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Population Review

Harper County, Kansas Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Kansas

The population of Harper County, Kansas is 5,446 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $55,417, the median home value is $77,300, and the median age is 40.8.

The population of Harper County has declined 9.9% since 2010 (6,008 → 5,413), a -0.74% annualized rate.

Harper County within Kansas · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

5,446

Population

-0.74%

Annual growth

7

People / sq mi

$55,417

Median Income

$77,300

Median Home Value

Harper County covers 801 sq mi of land at 6.8 people per square mile.

About Harper County, KS

Harper County is a county in Kansas with a population of 5,446. It ranks #63 among counties in Kansas by population. The median age is 40.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

The median household income in Harper County is $55,417, below the US median of $74,580. 11.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $77,300, with monthly rent averaging $693. The homeownership rate of 73.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Harper County reflects 21.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.6 minutes each way.

Harper County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Harper County had a population of 6,008 in 2010 and 5,413 in 2024, a -9.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,008 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.74%.

2010 · 6K20102024

5,413

Population (2024)

6,008

Population (2010)

6,008

Peak (2010)

-0.74%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20106,008
20115,938
20125,862
20135,844
20145,831
20155,785
20165,670
20175,581
20185,500
20195,442
20205,467
20215,352
20225,374
20235,392
20245,413

Race & Ethnicity

White90.7%
Black or African American0.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.8

Median Age

50.2%

Female

49.8%

Male

22.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.4%
5–9
6.8%
10–14
7.3%
15–19
8.1%
20–24
3.9%
25–34
9.5%
35–44
12.0%
45–54
10.5%
55–59
5.5%
60–64
8.0%
65–74
12.8%
75–84
6.1%
85+
3.1%

Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 22.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$55,417$-17,222 vs state
Mean household income$71,347
Per-capita income$28,555
Poverty rate11.0%+3.3% vs state
Unemployment rate2.0%
Employment-to-population53.6%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
27.2%
Manufacturing
15.2%
Agriculture
14.0%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.7%
Retail trade
5.5%
Public administration
5.0%
Information
4.3%
Construction
3.8%

The largest employment sector in Harper County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.2% of workers.

How residents commute

0.6%

Drive alone

3.7%

Carpool

78.8%

Public transit

7.1%

Work from home

14.6 min

Avg commute

Housing

$77,300$-126,100 vs state

Median home value

$693

Median rent

73.6%

Homeownership rate

3,026

Total housing units

72.9%

Occupied

27.1%

Vacant

26.4%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

90.9%

With health insurance

92.0%

With broadband internet

26.4%

Foreign-born

8.2%

Veterans (18+)

19.3%

With a disability

97.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

89.7%

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

Harper County, Kansas has a population of 5,446 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 7 people per square mile.

The population of Harper County has declined 9.9% since 2010 (6,008 → 5,413), a -0.74% annualized rate.

The median household income in Harper County, Kansas is $55,417, with mean (average) household income of $71,347 and per-capita income of $28,555. 11.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Harper County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.7%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%), 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 Harper County, Kansas is 40.8 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.

The median home value in Harper County is $77,300 and median monthly rent is $693. 73.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,026 total housing units, 27.1% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Harper County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.

Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Harper County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.