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+
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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.
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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.