Rawlins County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 92nd-largest in Kansas
The population of Rawlins County, Kansas is 2,533 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 92nd-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $65,000, the median home value is $99,400, and the median age is 47.0.
The population of Rawlins County has declined 2.6% since 2010 (2,496 → 2,432), a -0.19% annualized rate.
2,533
Population
-0.19%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$65,000
Median Income
$99,400
Median Home Value
Rawlins County covers 1,069 sq mi of land at 2.4 people per square mile.
About Rawlins County, KS
Rawlins County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 2 people per square mile. Rawlins County is a county in Kansas with a population of 2,533.
Median household income is $65,000, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $99,400, with typical rent around $823.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 12.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 13 minutes each way.
Rawlins County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rawlins County had a population of 2,496 in 2010 and 2,432 in 2024, a -2.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,574 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.18%.
2,432
Population (2024)
2,496
Population (2010)
2,574
Peak (2020)
-0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,496 |
| 2011 | 2,508 |
| 2012 | 2,509 |
| 2013 | 2,563 |
| 2014 | 2,543 |
| 2015 | 2,504 |
| 2016 | 2,494 |
| 2017 | 2,471 |
| 2018 | 2,483 |
| 2019 | 2,493 |
| 2020 | 2,574 |
| 2021 | 2,561 |
| 2022 | 2,531 |
| 2023 | 2,480 |
| 2024 | 2,432 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.0
Median Age
47.8%
Female
52.2%
Male
27.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 27.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,000$-7,639 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,855 |
| Per-capita income | $34,231 |
| Poverty rate | 10.3%+2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rawlins County is agriculture, accounting for 20.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
69.9%
Public transit
12.9%
Work from home
12.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$99,400$-104,000 vs state
Median home value
$823
Median rent
68.6%
Homeownership rate
1,363
Total housing units
85.5%
Occupied
14.5%
Vacant
31.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.5%
With health insurance
94.9%
With broadband internet
34.3%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
20.0%
With a disability
93.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.4%
High School+
17.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rawlins County, Kansas has a population of 2,533 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 92nd-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Rawlins County has declined 2.6% since 2010 (2,496 → 2,432), a -0.19% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rawlins County, Kansas is $65,000, with mean (average) household income of $72,855 and per-capita income of $34,231. 10.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rawlins County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%), Asian (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rawlins County, Kansas is 47.0 years. Residents are 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
The median home value in Rawlins County is $99,400 and median monthly rent is $823. 68.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,363 total housing units, 14.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rawlins County, Kansas is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 20.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.8%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Rawlins County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Rawlins County, KS Climate
Rawlins County, KS has an average annual temperature of 10.7°C (51°F) and receives about 543 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.7°C
Avg Temp
543
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 13 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 13 mm |
| March | 4° / 40° | 41 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 49 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 96 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 85 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 81 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 56 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 45 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 30 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 21 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 13 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 Rawlins County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Rawlins County, KS are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rawlins County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.