Ottawa County, Kansas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Ottawa County is located in Kansas with a total population of 5,782. It is the 59th most populous county out of 105 in Kansas. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Ottawa County is 42.5 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 37.2 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Ottawa County is $76,755. This is 6% higher than the state median of $72,639. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.1%. This is 5% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 3.2%. This is 17% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $164,100. Housing costs are 19% lower than the state median of $203,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Ottawa County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% higher than the state average of 66.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Ottawa County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.2%. The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.2%) is well below the state average of 13.3%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

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 94.8%.