2023 Cowley County, Kansas Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Cowley County, Kansas, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Cowley County, Kansas Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Cowley County, Kansas Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Cowley County, Kansas
The following statistics highlight Cowley County, Kansas population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 34,487
- Median Age (Total)
- 38.1 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 37.5 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 39.3 years
Cowley County, Kansas Age Distribution Comparison with Kansas 2023
Compare Cowley County, Kansas age demographics with Kansas to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 38.1 yrs | 38.0 yrs | +0.1 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.43% | 5.76% | -0.3pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 18.25% | 17.36% | +0.9pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 10.40% | 10.01% | +0.4pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 23.59% | 24.30% | -0.7pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 18.76% | 17.97% | +0.8pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 73.71 | 69.73 | +4.0 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 73.71
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 41.13 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 32.58 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Cowley County, Kansas Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Cowley County, Kansas
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Cowley County, Kansas are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 38.55
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas racial and ethnic demographics with Kansas to understand regional diversity patterns.
Cowley County, Kansas Diversity
38.55
lowKansas Diversity
45.82
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 77.24% | 71.81% | +5.4pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 11.88% | 14.23% | -2.3pp |
| Two or More Races | 5.26% | 4.88% | +0.4pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 2.21% | 5.12% | -2.9pp |
| Asian Alone | 1.86% | 3.01% | -1.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 1.19% | 0.46% | +0.7pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.20% | 0.14% | +0.1pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.14% | 0.36% | -0.2pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 38.55 | 45.82 | -7.27 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Cowley County, Kansas Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Cowley County, Kansas, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $58,263 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 13,339
Income Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas household income with Kansas to understand regional economic patterns.
Cowley County, Kansas
$58,263
Kansas
$75,514
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 14.36% | 10.22% | +4.1pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 15.07% | 10.31% | +4.8pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 13.85% | 11.20% | +2.7pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 18.87% | 17.89% | +1.0pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 28.88% | 31.49% | -2.6pp |
| $150,000 or more | 8.97% | 18.90% | -9.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Kansas.
Cowley County, Kansas Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Cowley County, Kansas, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $111,600
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 9,400 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas property values with Kansas to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Cowley County, Kansas
$111,600
Kansas
$238,700
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 7.24% | 3.76% | +3.5pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 8.98% | 3.76% | +5.2pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 28.45% | 10.44% | +18.0pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 30.80% | 22.85% | +7.9pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 21.82% | 46.15% | -24.3pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 2.07% | 12.30% | -10.2pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.64% | 0.74% | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Kansas.
Cowley County, Kansas Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Cowley County, Kansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 91.59%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 24.26%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 22,736
Education Level Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas educational attainment with Kansas to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Cowley County, Kansas
24.26%
Bachelor's+ in Kansas
36.05%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 8.41% | 8.00% | +0.4pp |
| HS Graduate | 30.98% | 25.40% | +5.6pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 36.35% | 30.55% | +5.8pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 15.47% | 22.41% | -6.9pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 8.78% | 13.64% | -4.9pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 91.59% | 92.00% | -0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Kansas.
Cowley County, Kansas Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Cowley County, Kansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 8.2%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 2,719
- Total Civilian Population
- 33,320
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas health insurance coverage with Kansas to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Cowley County, Kansas
8.2%
Uninsured in Kansas
8.5%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 4.6% | 6.3% | 7.0% | 7.1% |
| 18-34 years | 17.4% | 14.4% | 15.9% | 13.6% |
| 35-64 years | 8.7% | 10.9% | 10.4% | 9.4% |
| 65+ years | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Cowley County, Kansas Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Cowley County, Kansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 97.6% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 848 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 829
Citizenship Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas citizenship and nativity with Kansas to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Cowley County, Kansas
97.6%
Citizenship in Kansas
95.5%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 94.5% | 91.0% | +3.5pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.3% | -0.2pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.6% | 0.9% | -0.3pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 2.5% | 3.3% | -0.8pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 2.4% | 4.5% | -2.1pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 97.6% | 95.5% | +2.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Kansas.
Cowley County, Kansas Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Cowley County, Kansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 91.3%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.1%
- Work From Home Rate
- 4.8%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 15,009
Transportation Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas commuting patterns with Kansas to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Cowley County, Kansas
91.3%
Drove in Kansas
85.4%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 91.3% | 85.4% | +5.9pp |
| Public transportation | 0.1% | 0.3% | -0.2pp |
| Bicycle | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.0pp |
| Walked | 1.7% | 2.3% | -0.6pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.8% | 1.3% | +0.5pp |
| Worked from home | 4.8% | 10.3% | -5.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Kansas.
Cowley County, Kansas Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Cowley County, Kansas by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 15,226
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas employment patterns with Kansas to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Cowley County, Kansas
8.6% (M) / 10.5% (F)
Government Employment in Kansas
7.3% (M) / 9.6% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 35.8% F: 26.6% | M: 39.1% F: 29.2% | M: -3.3pp F: -2.6pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.0% F: 7.4% | M: 3.0% F: 6.1% | M: 0.0pp F: +1.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 8.6% F: 10.5% | M: 7.3% F: 9.6% | M: +1.3pp F: +0.9pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 5.8% F: 2.3% | M: 3.4% F: 2.1% | M: +2.4pp F: +0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Kansas.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Cowley County, Kansas Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Cowley County, Kansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 2,046
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
834 veterans (40.8%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas veteran demographics with Kansas to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Cowley County, Kansas
2,046
Total Veterans in Kansas
154,967
- Cowley County, Kansas: Vietnam Era Only (40.8%)
- Kansas: Vietnam Era Only (33.2%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 40.8% (834) | 33.2% (51,418) | +7.6pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 12.1% (247) | 12.6% (19,499) | -0.5pp |
| Gulf War Only | 10.8% (221) | 12.5% (19,432) | -1.7pp |
| Korean War Only | 9.6% (197) | 5.2% (8,040) | +4.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 8.8% (181) | 16.7% (25,809) | -7.9pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 8.8% (180) | 6.4% (9,898) | +2.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.7% (97) | 9.1% (14,109) | -4.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.3% (26) | 0.5% (757) | +0.8pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.2% (25) | 1.6% (2,519) | -0.4pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 1.2% (25) | 0.6% (981) | +0.6pp |
| WWII Only | 0.6% (13) | 1.1% (1,765) | -0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Cowley County, Kansas Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following data categorizes families in Cowley County, Kansas by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 11.6% (962 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 35.5% (2,950 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 52.9% (4,401 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas poverty levels with Kansas to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Cowley County, Kansas
11.6%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Kansas
6.9%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 11.6% (962) | 6.9% (52,212) | +4.7pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 35.5% (2,950) | 28.8% (218,180) | +6.7pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 52.9% (4,401) | 64.4% (488,432) | -11.5pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 5.5% | 2.8% | +2.7pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 3.5% | 1.9% | +1.6pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 2.6% | 2.1% | +0.5pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 3.8% | 2.9% | +0.9pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 3.3% | 3.2% | +0.1pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 4.5% | 3.3% | +1.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Kansas.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Cowley County, Kansas SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Cowley County, Kansas
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Cowley County, Kansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 1,361 (10.20% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 560 (41.15% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 13,339
SNAP Participation Comparison with Kansas
Compare Cowley County, Kansas SNAP participation with Kansas to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Cowley County, Kansas
10.20%
1,361 householdsSNAP Participation in Kansas
5.90%
71,066 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Cowley County, Kansas | Kansas | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 16.68% (227) | 13.15% (179) | 15.09% (10,722) | 5.66% (4,021) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 4.78% (65) | 1.84% (25) | 6.64% (4,718) | 2.59% (1,838) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 19.69% (268) | 4.78% (65) | 23.82% (16,930) | 6.78% (4,820) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.00% (0) | 39.09% (532) | 0.92% (655) | 38.50% (27,362) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 1,361 (10.20% of households) | 71,066 (5.90% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.