Cowley County, Kansas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Cowley County is located in Kansas with a total population of 34,487. It is the 15th most populous county out of 105 in Kansas. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Cowley County is 38.1 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 37.2 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Cowley County is $58,263. 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 13.9%. This is 20% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 5.0%. This is 27% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $111,600. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $203,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x, Cowley County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 70.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 66.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Cowley County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 77.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 11.9%. The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 5.3%.

Education

24.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% 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 91.6%.