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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 8 people per square mile. With 5,782 residents, Ottawa County is a county in Kansas.
The typical household earns $76,755 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.5%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $164,100, with typical rent around $738.
24.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 8.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 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+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
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.
Ottawa County, KS Climate
Ottawa County, KS has an average annual temperature of 12.5°C (55°F) and receives about 757 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.5°C
Avg Temp
757
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 19 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 22 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 58 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 60 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 120 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 103 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 101 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 83 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 73 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 58 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 36 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 24 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 Ottawa County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Ottawa 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 -8°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ottawa County
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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.