Shawnee County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Kansas
The population of Shawnee County, Kansas is 178,315 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $66,043, the median home value is $170,400, and the median age is 39.6.
The population of Shawnee County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (178,365 → 177,942), a -0.02% annualized rate.
178,315
Population
-0.02%
Annual growth
328
People / sq mi
$66,043
Median Income
$170,400
Median Home Value
Shawnee County covers 544 sq mi of land at 327.8 people per square mile.
About Shawnee County, KS
Shawnee County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 328 people per square mile. Shawnee County is a county in Kansas with a population of 178,315. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Kansas in the country, at #3 by population.
The typical household here earns about $66,043, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.8%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $170,400, with typical rent around $970.
About 32.3% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 10.1%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Shawnee County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Shawnee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shawnee County had a population of 178,365 in 2010 and 177,942 in 2024, a -0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 179,013 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.02%.
177,942
Population (2024)
178,365
Population (2010)
179,013
Peak (2012)
-0.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 178,365 |
| 2011 | 178,968 |
| 2012 | 179,013 |
| 2013 | 178,714 |
| 2014 | 178,651 |
| 2015 | 178,789 |
| 2016 | 178,413 |
| 2017 | 178,096 |
| 2018 | 177,224 |
| 2019 | 176,735 |
| 2020 | 178,711 |
| 2021 | 178,424 |
| 2022 | 177,454 |
| 2023 | 177,596 |
| 2024 | 177,942 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 76.1% |
| Black or African American | 7.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,043$-6,596 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,070 |
| Per-capita income | $37,072 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8%+1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shawnee County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
78.1%
Public transit
10.1%
Work from home
17.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$170,400$-33,000 vs state
Median home value
$970
Median rent
67.0%
Homeownership rate
80,884
Total housing units
92.1%
Occupied
7.9%
Vacant
33.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.7%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
24.6%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
93.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.5%
High School+
32.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shawnee County, Kansas has a population of 178,315 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 328 people per square mile.
The population of Shawnee County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (178,365 → 177,942), a -0.02% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shawnee County, Kansas is $66,043, with mean (average) household income of $87,070 and per-capita income of $37,072. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shawnee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.1%), Black or African American (7.6%), Hispanic or Latino (2.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shawnee County, Kansas is 39.6 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Shawnee County is $170,400 and median monthly rent is $970. 67.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 80,884 total housing units, 7.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shawnee County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Shawnee County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
More from Kansas
Population 614,764
Population 524,810
Population 167,277
Population 119,547
Full rankings of Kansas counties
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.