Jefferson County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 30th-largest in Kansas
The population of Jefferson County, Kansas is 18,391 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $77,393, the median home value is $200,800, and the median age is 43.8.
The population of Jefferson County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (19,120 → 18,332), a -0.30% annualized rate.
18,391
Population
-0.30%
Annual growth
35
People / sq mi
$77,393
Median Income
$200,800
Median Home Value
Jefferson County covers 533 sq mi of land at 34.5 people per square mile.
About Jefferson County, KS
Homeownership is the standout figure in Jefferson County: 85.0% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 18,391 residents, Jefferson County is a county in Kansas. It ranks #30 among counties in Kansas by population.
Households take in a median $77,393, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 4.0% — below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $200,800, with typical rent around $844.
24.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 9.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Jefferson County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jefferson County had a population of 19,120 in 2010 and 18,332 in 2024, a -4.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,165 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.29%.
18,332
Population (2024)
19,120
Population (2010)
19,165
Peak (2019)
-0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,120 |
| 2011 | 18,941 |
| 2012 | 18,858 |
| 2013 | 18,767 |
| 2014 | 18,798 |
| 2015 | 18,789 |
| 2016 | 18,838 |
| 2017 | 18,935 |
| 2018 | 18,901 |
| 2019 | 19,165 |
| 2020 | 18,325 |
| 2021 | 18,435 |
| 2022 | 18,344 |
| 2023 | 18,307 |
| 2024 | 18,332 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.8
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $77,393+$4,754 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,339 |
| Per-capita income | $39,516 |
| Poverty rate | 4.0%-3.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
77.8%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
28.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$200,800$-2,600 vs state
Median home value
$844
Median rent
85.0%
Homeownership rate
8,004
Total housing units
92.3%
Occupied
7.7%
Vacant
15.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.2%
With health insurance
94.1%
With broadband internet
20.4%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
13.6%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.2%
High School+
24.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson County, Kansas has a population of 18,391 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 35 people per square mile.
The population of Jefferson County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (19,120 → 18,332), a -0.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jefferson County, Kansas is $77,393, with mean (average) household income of $95,339 and per-capita income of $39,516. 4.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jefferson County, Kansas is 43.8 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $200,800 and median monthly rent is $844. 85.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,004 total housing units, 7.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Jefferson County, KS Climate
Jefferson County, KS has an average annual temperature of 12.1°C (54°F) and receives about 967 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.1°C
Avg Temp
967
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 26 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 26 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 64 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 84 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 133 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 138 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 103 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 100 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 118 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 84 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 54 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 37 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 Jefferson County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Jefferson County, KS are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jefferson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.