Riley County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Kansas
The population of Riley County, Kansas is 71,710 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $59,560, the median home value is $231,200, and the median age is 25.2.
The population of Riley County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (71,557 → 72,557), a +0.10% annualized rate.
71,710
Population
+0.10%
Annual growth
118
People / sq mi
$59,560
Median Income
$231,200
Median Home Value
Riley County covers 610 sq mi of land at 117.6 people per square mile.
About Riley County, KS
Riley County skews on age — the median resident is 25.2, younger than the national median. With 71,710 residents, Riley County is a county in Kansas. It is the #7-largest of all counties in Kansas nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,560 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.8%, close to the national 12.4%. The median home value is $231,200, with typical rent around $1,065.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 48.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Riley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Riley County had a population of 71,557 in 2010 and 72,557 in 2024, a 1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 77,545 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: 0.12%.
72,557
Population (2024)
71,557
Population (2010)
77,545
Peak (2012)
0.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 71,557 |
| 2011 | 73,449 |
| 2012 | 77,545 |
| 2013 | 76,996 |
| 2014 | 76,570 |
| 2015 | 77,293 |
| 2016 | 75,374 |
| 2017 | 74,129 |
| 2018 | 74,826 |
| 2019 | 72,762 |
| 2020 | 72,011 |
| 2021 | 71,870 |
| 2022 | 71,618 |
| 2023 | 71,673 |
| 2024 | 72,557 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.9% |
| Black or African American | 6.3% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
25.2
Median Age
46.8%
Female
53.2%
Male
9.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.9% · Seniors (65+): 9.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,560$-13,079 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,458 |
| Per-capita income | $34,583 |
| Poverty rate | 11.8%+4.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Riley County is professional & business services, accounting for 35.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
13.5%
Carpool
64.3%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
15.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$231,200+$27,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,065
Median rent
44.9%
Homeownership rate
30,674
Total housing units
88.5%
Occupied
11.5%
Vacant
55.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
97.5%
With broadband internet
44.3%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
13.0%
With a disability
91.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.1%
High School+
48.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
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Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Riley County, Kansas has a population of 71,710 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 118 people per square mile.
The population of Riley County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (71,557 → 72,557), a +0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Riley County, Kansas is $59,560, with mean (average) household income of $82,458 and per-capita income of $34,583. 11.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Riley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (77.9%), Black or African American (6.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Riley County, Kansas is 25.2 years. Residents are 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
The median home value in Riley County is $231,200 and median monthly rent is $1,065. 44.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 30,674 total housing units, 11.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Riley County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 35.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Riley County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Riley County, KS Climate
Riley County, KS has an average annual temperature of 12.2°C (54°F) and receives about 861 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.2°C
Avg Temp
861
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 18 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 21 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 62 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 71 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 124 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 133 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 100 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 91 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 98 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 72 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 45 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 26 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 Riley County, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Riley County, KS are typically September, June 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 -9°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Riley County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.