Ottawa County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 59th-largest in Kansas
The population of Ottawa County, Kansas is 5,782 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 59th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $76,755, the median home value is $164,100, and the median age is 42.5.
The population of Ottawa County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (6,097 → 5,853), a -0.29% annualized rate.
5,782
Population
-0.29%
Annual growth
8
People / sq mi
$76,755
Median Income
$164,100
Median Home Value
Ottawa County covers 721 sq mi of land at 8.0 people per square mile.
About Ottawa County, KS
Ottawa County is a county in Kansas with a population of 5,782. It ranks #59 among counties in Kansas by population. The median age is 42.5, older than the national median. The population is 52.4% male and 47.6% female.
The median household income in Ottawa County is $76,755, near the US median of $74,580. 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $164,100, with monthly rent averaging $738. The homeownership rate of 78.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ottawa County reflects 24.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.0 minutes each way.
Ottawa County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ottawa County had a population of 6,097 in 2010 and 5,853 in 2024, a -4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,097 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.29%.
5,853
Population (2024)
6,097
Population (2010)
6,097
Peak (2010)
-0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,097 |
| 2011 | 6,063 |
| 2012 | 6,027 |
| 2013 | 6,040 |
| 2014 | 6,027 |
| 2015 | 5,932 |
| 2016 | 5,898 |
| 2017 | 5,813 |
| 2018 | 5,744 |
| 2019 | 5,713 |
| 2020 | 5,731 |
| 2021 | 5,835 |
| 2022 | 5,833 |
| 2023 | 5,842 |
| 2024 | 5,853 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.5
Median Age
47.6%
Female
52.4%
Male
20.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,755+$4,116 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,408 |
| Per-capita income | $36,223 |
| Poverty rate | 9.5%+1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ottawa County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
8.9%
Work from home
24.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$164,100$-39,300 vs state
Median home value
$738
Median rent
78.0%
Homeownership rate
2,684
Total housing units
88.6%
Occupied
11.4%
Vacant
22.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.8%
With health insurance
94.2%
With broadband internet
20.4%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
13.5%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.8%
High School+
24.3%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Kansas
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ottawa County, Kansas has a population of 5,782 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 59th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 8 people per square mile.
The population of Ottawa County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (6,097 → 5,853), a -0.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ottawa County, Kansas is $76,755, with mean (average) household income of $89,408 and per-capita income of $36,223. 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ottawa County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), 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 Ottawa County, Kansas is 42.5 years. Residents are 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
The median home value in Ottawa County is $164,100 and median monthly rent is $738. 78.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,684 total housing units, 11.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ottawa County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Ottawa 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.