Norton County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 64th-largest in Kansas
The population of Norton County, Kansas is 5,392 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 64th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $50,305, the median home value is $106,300, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of Norton County has declined 5.8% since 2010 (5,664 → 5,335), a -0.43% annualized rate.
5,392
Population
-0.43%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$50,305
Median Income
$106,300
Median Home Value
Norton County covers 878 sq mi of land at 6.1 people per square mile.
About Norton County, KS
What sets Norton County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually prominent here, at 17.3% versus 14.0% nationally. Norton County is a county in Kansas with a population of 5,392.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,305, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $106,300, with typical rent around $642.
19.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 17.3% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 12 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Norton County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Norton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Norton County had a population of 5,664 in 2010 and 5,335 in 2024, a -5.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,664 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.42%.
5,335
Population (2024)
5,664
Population (2010)
5,664
Peak (2010)
-0.42%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,664 |
| 2011 | 5,656 |
| 2012 | 5,589 |
| 2013 | 5,617 |
| 2014 | 5,536 |
| 2015 | 5,538 |
| 2016 | 5,504 |
| 2017 | 5,432 |
| 2018 | 5,443 |
| 2019 | 5,372 |
| 2020 | 5,452 |
| 2021 | 5,370 |
| 2022 | 5,322 |
| 2023 | 5,314 |
| 2024 | 5,335 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.6% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
44.9%
Female
55.1%
Male
20.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 20.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,305$-22,334 vs state |
| Mean household income | $65,945 |
| Per-capita income | $26,220 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Norton County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
5.6%
Carpool
73.9%
Public transit
17.3%
Work from home
12.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$106,300$-97,100 vs state
Median home value
$642
Median rent
81.4%
Homeownership rate
2,454
Total housing units
78.1%
Occupied
21.9%
Vacant
18.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.5%
With health insurance
96.1%
With broadband internet
30.8%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
18.5%
With a disability
97.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Norton County, Kansas has a population of 5,392 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 64th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Norton County has declined 5.8% since 2010 (5,664 → 5,335), a -0.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in Norton County, Kansas is $50,305, with mean (average) household income of $65,945 and per-capita income of $26,220. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Norton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.2%), Black or African American (2.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Norton County, Kansas is 40.2 years. Residents are 44.9% female and 55.1% male.
The median home value in Norton County is $106,300 and median monthly rent is $642. 81.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,454 total housing units, 21.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Norton County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.3%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Norton County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.