Meade County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 73rd-largest in Kansas
The population of Meade County, Kansas is 3,949 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 73rd-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $74,868, the median home value is $122,000, and the median age is 37.5.
The population of Meade County has declined 15.3% since 2010 (4,596 → 3,892), a -1.18% annualized rate.
3,949
Population
-1.18%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$74,868
Median Income
$122,000
Median Home Value
Meade County covers 978 sq mi of land at 4.0 people per square mile.
About Meade County, KS
Meade County is a county in Kansas with a population of 3,949. It ranks #73 among counties in Kansas by population. The median age is 37.5, younger than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Meade County is $74,868, near the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $122,000, with monthly rent averaging $799. The homeownership rate of 72.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Meade County reflects 22.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.5 minutes each way.
Meade County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Meade County had a population of 4,596 in 2010 and 3,892 in 2024, a -15.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,596 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.17%.
3,892
Population (2024)
4,596
Population (2010)
4,596
Peak (2010)
-1.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,596 |
| 2011 | 4,519 |
| 2012 | 4,378 |
| 2013 | 4,284 |
| 2014 | 4,355 |
| 2015 | 4,298 |
| 2016 | 4,230 |
| 2017 | 4,226 |
| 2018 | 4,091 |
| 2019 | 4,023 |
| 2020 | 4,062 |
| 2021 | 3,998 |
| 2022 | 3,905 |
| 2023 | 3,911 |
| 2024 | 3,892 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.5
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
16.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.2% · Seniors (65+): 16.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,868+$2,229 vs state |
| Mean household income | $111,777 |
| Per-capita income | $44,359 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7% |
| Unemployment rate | 0.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Meade County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
78.7%
Public transit
8.0%
Work from home
16.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$122,000$-81,400 vs state
Median home value
$799
Median rent
72.7%
Homeownership rate
1,869
Total housing units
80.0%
Occupied
20.0%
Vacant
27.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.3%
With health insurance
95.6%
With broadband internet
28.1%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.8%
With a disability
78.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.6%
High School+
22.8%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Meade County, Kansas has a population of 3,949 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 73rd-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Meade County has declined 15.3% since 2010 (4,596 → 3,892), a -1.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Meade County, Kansas is $74,868, with mean (average) household income of $111,777 and per-capita income of $44,359. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Meade County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%), Black or African American (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Meade County, Kansas is 37.5 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Meade County is $122,000 and median monthly rent is $799. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,869 total housing units, 20.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Meade County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.7%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Meade 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.