Cherokee County, Kansas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Cherokee County is located in Kansas with a total population of 19,236. It is the 28th most populous county out of 105 in Kansas. The county encompasses 5 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Cherokee County is 42.0 years. This is 13% higher than the state median of 37.2 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Cherokee County is $58,274. This is 20% lower than the state median of $72,639. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 26% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%. This is 13% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 3.6%. This is 9% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $99,400. Housing costs are 51% lower than the state median of $203,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Cherokee County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% higher than the state average of 66.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Cherokee County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.9%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.9%) is well below the state average of 13.3%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

Education

20.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 43% lower than the state rate of 35.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.9%.