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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 4 people per square mile. Meade County is a county in Kansas with a population of 3,949.
The typical household earns $74,868 a year, near the US median of $78,538. About 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $122,000, with typical rent around $799.
Roughly 22.8% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 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+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
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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.
Meade County, KS Climate
Meade County, KS has an average annual temperature of 13.4°C (56°F) and receives about 524 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.4°C
Avg Temp
524
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 11 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 15 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 38 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 41 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 79 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 80 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 72 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 66 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 50 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 34 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 24 mm |
| December | 1° / 35° | 14 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 Meade County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Meade County, KS are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 35°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Meade County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.