Ness County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 88th-largest in Kansas
The population of Ness County, Kansas is 2,659 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 88th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $66,107, the median home value is $85,400, and the median age is 46.1.
The population of Ness County has declined 15.7% since 2010 (3,103 → 2,617), a -1.21% annualized rate.
2,659
Population
-1.21%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$66,107
Median Income
$85,400
Median Home Value
Ness County covers 1,075 sq mi of land at 2.5 people per square mile.
About Ness County, KS
In Ness County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $85,400. Ness County is a county in Kansas with a population of 2,659.
Median household income is $66,107, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $85,400, with typical rent around $653.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.3%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Ness County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ness County had a population of 3,103 in 2010 and 2,617 in 2024, a -15.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,118 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -1.20%.
2,617
Population (2024)
3,103
Population (2010)
3,118
Peak (2011)
-1.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,103 |
| 2011 | 3,118 |
| 2012 | 3,077 |
| 2013 | 3,087 |
| 2014 | 3,090 |
| 2015 | 3,022 |
| 2016 | 2,966 |
| 2017 | 2,864 |
| 2018 | 2,811 |
| 2019 | 2,782 |
| 2020 | 2,679 |
| 2021 | 2,658 |
| 2022 | 2,671 |
| 2023 | 2,639 |
| 2024 | 2,617 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.1
Median Age
48.3%
Female
51.7%
Male
24.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 24.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,107$-6,532 vs state |
| Mean household income | $99,145 |
| Per-capita income | $45,430 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ness County is agriculture, accounting for 28.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.2%
Carpool
73.4%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
16.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$85,400$-118,000 vs state
Median home value
$653
Median rent
79.3%
Homeownership rate
1,475
Total housing units
78.8%
Occupied
21.2%
Vacant
20.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
91.5%
With broadband internet
15.9%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
85.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
23.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ness County, Kansas has a population of 2,659 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 88th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Ness County has declined 15.7% since 2010 (3,103 → 2,617), a -1.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ness County, Kansas is $66,107, with mean (average) household income of $99,145 and per-capita income of $45,430. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ness County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ness County, Kansas is 46.1 years. Residents are 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
The median home value in Ness County is $85,400 and median monthly rent is $653. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,475 total housing units, 21.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ness County, Kansas is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 28.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.7%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Ness County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Ness County, KS Climate
Ness County, KS has an average annual temperature of 12.3°C (54°F) and receives about 534 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.3°C
Avg Temp
534
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 12 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 15 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 42 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 45 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 77 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 84 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 78 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 63 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 46 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 34 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 24 mm |
| December | 0° / 33° | 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 Ness County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Ness County, KS are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ness County
Visiting or relocating to Ness County, KS? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.