Cowley County, KS

County

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    2024 Population
    34,411
    2024 Median Age
    39.2
    2.89% 1-year increase
    2024 Poverty Rate
    14.3%
    2.89% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $57,878
    0.661% 1-year decline
    2024 Median Property Value
    $120,900
    8.33% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    15,180
    0.302% 1-year decline

    About

    None of the households in Cowley County, KS reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    97.7% of the residents in Cowley County, KS are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in Cowley County, KS are Cowley County Community College (1,011 degrees awarded in 2024) and Southwestern College (392 degrees).

    In 2024, the median property value in Cowley County, KS was $120,900, and the homeownership rate was 68.1%.

    Most people in Cowley County, KS drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 21.1 minutes. The average car ownership in Cowley County, KS was 2 cars per household.

    United States

    Population & Diversity

    Cowley County, KS is home to a population of 34.4k people, from which 97.7% are citizens. As of 2024, 4.56% of Cowley County, KS residents were born outside of the country (1.57k people).

    In 2024, there were 16.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (26.4k people) in Cowley County, KS than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.61k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) and 1.49k Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    97.7%
    2024 Citizenship
    97.6%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 97.7% of Cowley County, KS residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Cowley County, KS was 97.6%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been increasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Cowley County, KS compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Diversity

    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Cowley County, KS
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      26.4k ± 157
    2. Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)
      1.61k ± 357
    3. Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
      1.49k ± 288
    12.2%
    Hispanic Population
    4.18k people

    In 2024, there were 16.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (26.4k people) in Cowley County, KS than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.61k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) and 1.49k Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    12.2% of the people in Cowley County, KS are hispanic (4.18k people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Cowley County, KS as a share of the total population.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    4.56%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    1.57k people
    4.86%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    1.68k people

    As of 2024, 4.56% of Cowley County, KS residents (1.57k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Cowley County, KS was 4.86%, meaning that the rate has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Cowley County, KS compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      754 ± 144
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      428 ± 118
    3. Gulf War (1990s)
      319 ± 119

    Cowley County, KS has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.76 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Cowley County, KS.

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    Health

    91.9% of the population of Cowley County, KS has health coverage, with 47% on employee plans, 15% on Medicaid, 13.2% on Medicare, 15.1% on non-group plans, and 1.56% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Cowley County, KS see 2,464 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (2,464 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1813 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 579 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.5% were men and 50.5% were women.

    Coverage

    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 26.4% under 18 years, 18.9% between 18 and 34 years, 36.4% between 35 and 64 years, and 18.3% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.5% were men and 50.5% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    8.15%
    Uninsured
    47%
    Employer Coverage
    15%
    Medicaid
    13.2%
    Medicare
    15.1%
    Non-Group
    1.56%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Cowley County, KS declined by 0.182% from 8.16% to 8.15%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Cowley County, KS changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Health Indicators

    Health Outcomes

    Indicator

    In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 5.44 in Cowley County, KS.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Cowley County, KS.

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    Health Behaviors

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 41.8% in Cowley County, KS.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Cowley County, KS.

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    Clinical Care

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 10.2% in Cowley County, KS.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Cowley County, KS.

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    Economy

    The economy of Cowley County, KS employs 15.2k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Cowley County, KS were Manufacturing (2,837 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,131 people), and Educational Services (2,015 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($86,541), Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($71,741), and Information ($60,919).

    Employment

    Occupations

    15.2k
    2024 Value
    ± 776
    −0.302%
    1 Year decline
    ± 7.29%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Cowley County, KS declined at a rate of −0.302%, from 15.2k employees to 15.2k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Cowley County, KS, are Management Occupations (1,828 people), Production Occupations (1,612 people), and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,361 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Cowley County, KS.

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    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    15.2k
    2024 Value
    ± 776
    −0.302%
    1 Year decline
    ± 7.29%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Cowley County, KS declined at a rate of −0.302%, from 15.2k employees to 15.2k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Cowley County, KS, are Manufacturing (2,837 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,131 people), and Educational Services (2,015 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Cowley County, KS, though some of these residents may live in Cowley County, KS and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $45,784
    Median earning men ± $3,707
    $31,786
    Median earning women ± $1,981

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($73,750), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($66,172), and Manufacturing ($61,063).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Information ($102,731), Construction ($65,625), and Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($59,417).

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    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 70
      Other Services (except Public Administration)
    2. 46
      Retail Trade
    3. 43
      Health Care and Social Assistance

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $258k
      Manufacturing
    2. $71.5k
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    3. $42.9k
      Retail Trade

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in the states of United States went to Donald J. Trump with 49.9% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (48.2%), followed by Jill Stein (0.556%).

    are the senators currently representing the state of the United States. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming is currently represented by 432 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for Cowley County, KS. Showing the available data for the states of United States.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Donald J. Trump (49.9%)
      Republican Party
    2. Kamala Harris (48.2%)
      Democratic Party
    3. Jill Stein (0.556%)
      Green Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in the states of United States went to Donald J. Trump with 49.9% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (48.2%), followed by Jill Stein (0.556%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in the states of United States for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in Cowley County, KS awarded 1,403 degrees. The student population of Cowley County, KS in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 1,608 male students and 1,668 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in Cowley County, KS are White (863 and 64%), Hispanic or Latino (183 and 13.6%), Unknown (105 and 7.79%), and Black or African American (79 and 5.86%).

    The largest universities in Cowley County, KS by number of degrees awarded are Cowley County Community College (1,011 and 72.1%) and Southwestern College (392 and 27.9%).

    The most popular majors in Cowley County, KS are Liberal Arts & Sciences (373 and 26.6%), Nursing Assistant & Patient Care Assistant (155 and 11%), and Welding Technology (106 and 7.56%).

    The median tuition cost for private four year colleges is $39,672.

    Admissions & Enrollments

    Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

    University
    Measure

    In 2024 in Cowley County, KS, the percentage of applicants admitted was 75.6%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 19.1%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 3,276 (49.1% men and 50.9% women).

    The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    Universities

    In 2024 there were 3,276 students enrolled in Cowley County, KS, 49.1% men and 50.9% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 1,930 records, of which 54.7% were women and 45.3% men.

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    Completions

    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. Liberal Arts & Sciences
      280 degrees awarded
    2. Industrial Radiologic Technology
      20 degrees awarded
    3. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic)
      13 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Associates Degree recipients in Cowley County, KS was Liberal Arts & Sciences with 280 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Associates Degree from schools in Cowley County, KS according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    1. Cowley County Community College
      1,011 degrees awarded
    2. Southwestern College
      392 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Cowley County Community College with 1,011 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    University

    In 2024, 717 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Cowley County, KS, which is 1.05 times more than the 686 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 863 degrees mean that there were 4.72 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 183 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Tuition

    Average Net Price by Sector

    Universities

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($39,672) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Public, 2-year ($2,700) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Public, 2-year ($1,500) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Cowley County, KS was $120,900 in 2024, which is 0.363 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $111,600 to $120,900, a 8.33% increase. The homeownership rate in Cowley County, KS is 68.1%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Cowley County, KS have an average commute time of 21.1 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Cowley County, KS is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    In 2025, 11.9% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Cowley County, KS. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 0.652%.

    Housing

    Property

    $120,900
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$7,871
    $9,117
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$585

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Cowley County, KS the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Cowley County, KS compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    68.1%
    Homeownership
    2024
    61%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 68.1% of the housing units in Cowley County, KS were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 70.5%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Cowley County, KS compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $57,878
    Median Household Income
    ± $3,114
    13.4k
    Number of Households
    ± 751

    In 2024, the median household income of the 13.4k households in Cowley County, KS declined from $57,878 from the previous year's value of $58,263.

    The following chart displays the households in Cowley County, KS distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (77.7%)
    2. Carpooled (14%)
    3. Worked At Home (4.93%)

    In 2024, 77.7% of workers in Cowley County, KS drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (14%) and those who worked at home (4.93%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    21.1 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Cowley County, KS have a shorter commute time (21.1 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.7% of the workforce in Cowley County, KS have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Cowley County, KS compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Cowley County, KS distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Cowley County, KS have 2 cars.

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    Poverty

    Severe Housing Problems

    In 2025, 11.9% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Cowley County, KS. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 0.652%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

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    Poverty & Diversity

    14.3% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Cowley County, KS (4.58k out of 32.1k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 35 - 44, followed by Females 25 - 34 and then Females 45 - 54.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Cowley County, KS is White, followed by Two Or More and Hispanic.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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    Children in Poverty

    In 2025, 20.3% of the children was living in poverty in Cowley County, KS. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 4.7%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

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    Security

    Crimes & Accidents

    Indicator

    In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 335 in Cowley County, KS. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 22.3% per 100,000 population.

    The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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